Watershed Condition Statement:
Flood Outlook
Flood Potential: Moderate
Ice Jam Potential: Low
Issued to: local municipalities and school boards, local conservation authorities, emergency response agencies, health unit, media, NVCA board and staff
Date: January 10, 2020 (1:30PM)
Weather Conditions
The Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority advises that temperatures are forecast to reach 6 degrees Celsius on Friday, with daily highs expected to remain near or above freezing through the weekend. Precipitation is forecasted to be approximately 5-10mm on Friday and 40-75mm on Saturday, before tapering off on Sunday. Precipitation is expected to start as rain Friday before transitioning to freezing rain and/or ice pellets throughout the day on Saturday.
Issues
The forecast warmer temperatures will cause the melting of snowpack resulting in an increase in water levels throughout the watershed. The forecast significant rainfall over three days will also contribute to increase in water levels. Stream banks will be slippery and unstable, creating hazardous conditions around our rivers and streams as water temperatures are extremely cold. There is the potential for localized flooding in low lying areas, however no major flooding is anticipated at this time.
Actions
Hazardous conditions exist around all waterbodies, as there is a high risk of life-threatening injury if a person falls into the extremely cold water. The public and especially children are advised to stay away from all waterbodies.
The Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority continues to monitor river and stream conditions and will issue additional messages as conditions warrant. This Flood Outlook Statement will be in effect until 3:00 p.m., Monday, January 13, 2020.
For additional information, please call 705-424-1479 and select option “1” for the flood information line.
Peter Alm
Flood Duty Officer
A Watershed Condition Statement is a general notice of weather conditions that could pose a risk to personal safety or which have the potential to lead to flooding. A Flood Outlook message is an early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts calling for heavy rain, snow melt, high wind or conditions that could lead to high runoff, cause ice jams, lakeshore flooding or erosion.
