The Canadian Coast Guard will be sending its icebreaker CCGS Griffon to the mouth of the Grand River at Port Maitland to clear ice during the spring melt.
It’s unclear exactly when that will take place, but the Coast Guard has agreed to be ready to dispatch the Griffon when needed, states a press release from the Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA).
The request was made by the County of Haldimand in association with the GRCA.
The Griffon has been to the Grand River several times in the past, notably in February 2009 when it cleared an ice jam at the mouth of the river in Port Maitland to end a significant flood in Dunnville.
Both the Grand River and the eastern basin of Lake Erie are ice covered this year. Typically, during the spring melt, ice on the river breaks up before the lake thaws. As river ice reaches the mouth, it has no place to go. The resulting ice jam blocks the flow of water from the river into the lake, leading to flooding.
It’s important to get the timing right, officials note. If the ice breaker shows up too early, there’s the chance that the river and lake could refreeze. Flood forecasters from the GRCA will be in regular contact with the Coast Guard and Haldimand County to determine the best time for the Griffon to be called in.
Anyone who has ice huts or other equipment on the ice in the Grand River downstream of Dunnville should be aware that the ice breaker will be called in during the spring melt and should be ready to remove their property. A News release will be issued several days before the Griffon arrives to break up the river ice.
The Griffon may journey to the area near the mouth of the Grand this weekend to assess conditions. However, on this trip it will remain offshore and will not enter the Port Maitland harbour.
The Canadian Coast Guard strongly recommends that fishermen and snowmobilers and other recreational users leave the ice immediately if they see an icebreaker in the vicinity. The ice may move or break apart even at a significant distance, creating a hazard for anyone in the area of an icebreaker.
Dates and routes are subject to change with little or no notice due to operational requirements or sudden and significant changes to weather and ice conditions.
