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Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety (Event Message # 1)

March 8, 2019

Starting Saturday afternoon, a Colorado low is forecast to enter South-Western Ontario bringing warmer temperatures and precipitation. Up to 20 mm of precipitation by Sunday morning is expected with daytime high temperatures above zero continuing into next week.

With the forecast rain and above freezing temperatures, the majority of snow is expected to melt resulting in rising stream levels and possibly some nuisance flooding in low-lying areas. Due to the expected rise in water levels, the LPRCA is issuing a Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety for all watercourses within its jurisdiction.

People are cautioned to stay away from ditches, watercourses, ponds and other water bodies as the combination of slippery banks, unstable ice and cold, fast-flowing water can be dangerous. Ice conditions on watercourses, ponds and reservoirs are expected to deteriorate and should be considered unsafe. Parents are reminded to keep children and pets away from all of these areas.

If it is safe to do so, landowners are also advised to make sure dams, culverts, and catch basins are free from debris and functioning properly.

With watercourse levels expected to remain elevated for several days, this message is in effect until noon, Friday, March 15, 2019. LPRCA staff will continue to monitor watershed conditions and will update this message as necessary.

Contact Ben Hodi, Water Resources Analyst 519-842-4242 ext. 264 should further information be required.