WELLINGTON COUNTY – Credit Valley Conservation (CVC) is reminding residents of the danger posed near streams, rivers, ponds and lakes this time of year. CVC urges people to exercise caution and keep family and pets away from the edges of all waterways.
Frequent freeze-thaw cycles and winter storms are expected to bring wet and mixed precipitation throughout the coming winter months. River ice has started to form with the recent cold spell.
Warm temperatures and precipitation along with melting of snowpack can increase runoff and contribute to higher water levels and faster flows in local watercourses. When rivers and waterbodies are frozen, periods of rainfall and snowmelt can result in weakening and shifting, increasing the potential for ice breakup and unsafe conditions.
Residents living next to watercourses are encouraged to secure loose objects, such as lawn furniture and watercrafts, that are in the floodplain in preparation for the spring snowmelt and rains that can increase the risk of flooding downstream.
Winter safety
Be safe this winter and remember the following tips:
– keep family and pets away from all bodies of water;
– avoid all recreational activities in or around water, including skating in unsanctioned areas;
– tailor your winter outdoor activities to trails at local parks and conservation areas;
– stormwater ponds/facilities were not built for ice skating. Ice thickness on these ponds can change due to road salt and changing temperatures. Furthermore, changing temperatures may cause cracks and dangerously thin ice; and
– rescuing another person or a pet from ice is dangerous. If you see anyone that has fallen through the ice, call 911 for help immediately.
Stay informed
CVC operates a flood forecasting and warning program that monitors weather forecasts and river conditions, issuing flood warnings directly to watershed residents through the CVC website, facebook.com/CreditValleyConservation, x.com/CVC_CA, and through the PEASI Alertable App.
PEASI’s Alertable App, a community public alert system, offers residents real-time flood alerts. It’s free to sign up and receive alerts through push notifications on your mobile device, SMS (text messages), email and/or landline phone call.
For regional water levels and seasonal changes, contact your local conservation authority.
