The Grey Sauble Conservation Authority is advising the public to be cautious around local rivers and waterways during the spring melt.
The warmer temperatures that have arrived recently in the local region have kicked off the spring melt season. The conservation authority issues a statement warning local residents to be wary around local rivers and water courses.
“Grey Sauble Conservation Authority would like to remind everyone that during spring runoff events, potential conditions exist that could pose a risk to personal safety. High flows, unsafe banks, melting ice or other factors could be dangerous for recreational users such as anglers, canoeists, hikers, children, pets, etc,” said statement said.
The conservation authority said the warmer temperatures have led to a reduction in the local snowpack and estimated the remaining snow holds between 50 mm (two inches) and 125 mm (five inches) of water. With rain expected over the weekend, water levels will be on the rise.
“As the snow begins to melt, soils become saturated under the snow and additional snow melt will quickly run off into ditches, streams and rivers. Flows will increase and may exceed average/normal spring runoff levels through the weekend and into early next week. Seasonal flooding of low-lying areas will continue,” the statement said.
The conservation authority added that, after the recent warmer temperatures, there is very little ice cover on local watercourses and the risk of ice jamming is low at this time.
“Grey Sauble staff will continue to monitor the weather and the flows and provide additional updates as needed,” the statement said.
Watershed residents can access snow, stream flow and rain gauge data through the conservation authority’s Watershed Conditions webpage online here.
The authority’s statement will remain in effect until Tuesday, March 18 at 1 p.m., unless otherwise updated.