Warmer weather with some rain is forecast to move into the Grand River watershed today and persist through the weekend into early next week.
The Grnd River Conservation Authority states in a March 13 press release that warm temperatures earlier in the week ripened the snow pack. The warm conditions this weekend coupled with rain will start to melt the snow and cause water levels and flows to rise through the weekend. The rate of rise will be moderated by cool overnight temperatures.
While major flooding is not anticipated, flooding of low-lying areas that traditionally flood can be expected. How much water levels will rise depends on the amount of rainfall received. Conditions will be monitored closely.
There is significant ice in the river system. Some of the ice has started to melt. Whether or not it begins to move over the weekend and whether ice jams form is dependent on how quickly water levels rise. Conditions will be monitored closely and flood messages will be issued depending on conditions.
The major reservoirs at Belwood, Conestogo, Guelph, Luther, Woolwich, Laurel, and Shades are at low winter holding levels and have maximum storage available. There is currently minimal inflow to the reservoirs.
Residents are reminded to use extreme caution near all watercourses. Many streams and ditches are hidden by snow, ice cover is unstable, stream banks are slippery, and water is very cold. With the March Break upon us, parents are reminded to keep children and pets away from watercourses.
GRCA staff will be keeping a close eye on the situation and issue updates as required.
For more information on flows, weather and reservoir conditions see the River Data section of the GRCA website at www.grandriver.ca.
