WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT: Flood Outlook
Weather Forecast:
Environment Canada forecasts above freezing daytime temperatures this week and 5-10 mm of minor precipitation on March 10 and March 11. Nighttime temperatures are also expected to be above freezing on March 10 and March 11 before dropping to below freezing again starting March 12, which will cause the freeze-thaw cycle to resume.
Environmental Conditions:
There is slightly more snowpack throughout the watershed than usual, but still within ranges recorded in recent years. Stream flows are still within the normal range for this time of year.
Risks:
Based on this week's weather forecast, a significant amount of snowpack is expected to melt across the South Nation River watershed, causing flows and water levels to rise quickly.
Ice cover in rivers and streams may break up due to warm temperatures and higher flows, increasing the risk of ice jams and associated overbank flooding.
Higher than normal water levels may also cause nuisance flooding in low-lying areas.
ACTION:
Residents are advised to stay away from rivers as the weather forecast may rapidly increase river flows, and banks might be unstable and slippery. Parents are encouraged to explain these dangers to their children.
Residents in flood prone or low-lying areas historically susceptible to flooding should also take the necessary precautions to protect their property, such as:
- Ensuring sump pump is clear, in good working condition and has a backwater valve on it.
- Having a portable generator and backup pump available.
- Ensuring downspouts are clear and the outlet is at least 3 m from the dwelling.
- Removing or securing items that might float away as flows increase.
- Removing valuable items from basements or lower floors that could be subject to flooding.
- Keep emergency phone numbers handy.
- Familiarize yourself with your municipality's emergency preparedness plan.
Duration:
This statement is in effect until Wednesday, March 24, 2021.
SNC monitors water levels and weather forecasts as part of the Flood Forecasting and Warning Program. Updates are provided as conditions change.
Please visit www.nation.on.ca for more information. To provide feedback with respect to changes in water related conditions please email waterwatch@nation.on.ca, post on our Facebook (/SouthNationConservation) or Twitter (@SouthNationCA).
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Omar Kana'n, Water Resources Specialist – Engineering, 1-877-984-2948, okanan@nation.on.ca.
Forwarded to: All Flood Forecasting and Warning Directory
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