Grand River Watershed Conditions Statement January 2 2023

Grand River Watershed Conditions Statement - Water Safety
Date Issued: January 2, 2023 @ 12:30 p.m.

Message: Caution urged due to rainfall and increased river flows

Another weather system is expected to bring up to 30mm of rainfall to southern Ontario on Tuesday and Wednesday, which will result in increased river flows throughout the Grand River watershed.

Ground conditions are frozen and/or saturated due to recent weather events. No significant flooding is anticipated with this event; however, higher river flows in local waterways will increase the risk in low-lying areas typically prone to flooding.

While colder temperatures in December did allow for some ice formation on local waterbodies, recent weather conditions have significantly weakened any ice that remains and the public should stay off the ice. Ice fishing remains closed at all Grand River Conservation Areas that offer this activity.

GRCA reservoirs are being used to manage these weather events and reduce downstream flooding, however river flows will remain elevated for several days, increasing the safety risk around rivers and streams throughout the watershed.

The public is encouraged to exercise extreme caution around all local waterways. Banks adjacent to rivers and creeks are very slippery and, when combined with cold, fast-moving water, pose a serious hazard. Parents are encouraged to keep their children and pets away from all watercourses.

This message will remain in effect until noon on Friday, January 6, 2023 and replaces the previously issued Watershed Conditions Statement. Updated flood messages will be issued, if necessary as conditions change.

For further information refer to GRCA’s website at www.grandriver.ca .