WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT: Water Safety Statement
Time: 3:00 pm
Prepared by: South Nation Conservation
SOUTH NATION JURISDICTION – South Nation Conservation cautions that watercourses are expected to rise over the next few days.
Environment Canada forecasts above-freezing temperatures and a rain/snow mix for the next three days. The forecasted weather will cause snow to melt and runoff to watercourses, which will increase river levels and flows throughout the South Nation jurisdiction. Ice covering larger watercourses may become unstable due to increased water levels.
As temperatures are forecasted to return to freezing by end of next week, severe flooding and ice jamming are not a concern at this time; however, nuisance flooding in low-lying areas may be observed.
SNC takes action to control water levels and reduce flooding through the operation of the Chesterville Dam; water levels near an operated dam can change suddenly without warning, residents are cautioned to be wary of changes in flows, high water levels and unstable ice. Residents are also advised to stay away from rivers banks which can become slippery from the snow melt and rising water levels. Parents are encouraged to explain these dangers to their children.
SNC staff will continue to monitor the water levels and weather forecasts as part of the Flood Forecasting and Warning program and will provide updates in the event conditions change.
SNC encourages the public to visit www.nation.on.ca and to also provide feedback with respect to changes in water related conditions in their local areas. All feedback can be sent to waterwatch@nation.on.ca; posted on our Facebook (/SouthNationConservation) or Tweet us your photos (@SouthNationCA). For additional information, please contact SNC at 1-877-984-2948.