Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety Message [ Flood Message #1 ]

Long Point Region Conservation Authority is issuing a Water Safety Statement for all areas within its watershed.

On March 16th at approximately 8:00 pm, a strong low-pressure system is forecasted to enter the LPRCA watershed
and slowly cross the watershed for the next two days. The system carries warm air and a significant amount of
precipitation. Air temperatures in the LPRCA watershed are expected to stay above freezing temperatures overnight
and reach 7 – 10 degree Celsius on Friday. Total precipitation accumulation amounts for the duration of the two-day
event are forecasted to reach 15-25mm.

A snowpack, of approximately 7 – 20 cm and frozen ground conditions are expected to affect the LPRCA watershed
during this event. Under the forecast of mild temperatures, the snowpack will start to melt. Melting snow, rain, and
frozen ground conditions will produce substantial runoff. Due to the forecast of rain and warm temperatures and
considerable snowpack, the Long Point Region Conservation Authority is issuing a Watershed Conditions
Statement –Water Safety Statement. Under the forecasted conditions, riverine water levels and flows will increase.
No major flooding is expected to occur based on this forecast however; some watercourses may reach or exceed their
banks creating localized flooding in floodplains, low-lying areas and regions with poor drainage.

People are warned to stay away from ditches, frozen water bodies, streams, rivers and ponds as the combination of
slippery banks and cold, fast-flowing water is dangerous.

Landowners are also advised to make sure dams, culverts, and catch basins are free from debris and functioning
properly; if the work can be done safely.

Water levels are expected to remain high for the weekend. LPRCA staff will continue to monitor watershed conditions
and will update this message as necessary.

Therefore, this Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety Statement is in effect until noon, Monday,
March 20th, 2023.

LPRCA staff will continue to monitor forecasted conditions and will update this message as necessary.
Contact David Proracki, Water Resource Analyst at lprca.floodmessage@lprca.on.ca or 519-842-4242 ext. 264 should
further information be required.