Grand River Conservation Authority Cancels Flood Watch - Issues Water Safety Message

The Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) is terminating the Flood Watch message previously in effect and is issuing a Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety message for the entire Grand River Watershed.

Weather forecast

Daytime high temperatures are expected to range from 7 to 12 degrees Celsius on Monday and 4 to 12 degrees Celsius on Tuesday, with warmer temperatures in the south and cooler temperatures in the north of the watershed. Above freezing temperatures are expected to continue through this week.

The snowpack across the watershed has been melting from recent rain and warm temperatures, which has led to increased water levels. With the forecasted above-freezing temperatures expected this week, the remaining snowpack will continue to melt and release water producing additional runoff resulting in further increases to water levels and flows.

No significant flooding is expected with this event; however, higher flows in local waterways will increase the risk in low-lying areas typically prone to flooding.

GRCA Reservoirs

GRCA reservoirs are within their normal operating range for this time of year and have flood storage capacity available. The reservoirs will be used to reduce downstream flooding.

Stay safe

High flows and unstable ice conditions will increase the safety risk around rivers and streams throughout the watershed. The public is encouraged to exercise extreme caution around all local waterways. As many students head into the March break this week, parents are reminded to keep their children and pets away from all watercourses.

Winter activities, including ice fishing, are now closed at all Grand River Conservation Areas. River ice cover is unstable due to thawing conditions and fluctuating water levels. The public is reminded to stay off of all ice-covered waterbodies, due to unsafe conditions.

River conditions and forecasts are being monitored closely, and any flood messages will be issued as needed.

This message will remain in effect until 12:00 pm on Friday, March 14, 2025. 

More information from the GRCA

• For more information on flows, weather and reservoir conditions see the River Data section of the GRCA website.
• More information on the flood warning system is available on the GRCA website.
• Receive GRCA flood messages by e-mail by subscribing through the GRCA website.
• Follow GRCA flood messages on X at grca_flood_msg.
• More information about how the GRCA’s role in managing floods is available in the Flooding section of the website.
• Copies of the GRCA’s River Safety Rules booklet is available by contacting the GRCA Administration Centre.

Are you prepared for flooding?

Be ready by:

✔ Keeping an eye on weather alerts and avoiding flooded areas
✔ Clearing snow and ice from drains to help water flow
✔ Having a 72-hour Emergency Kit ready
✔ Subscribing to County of Brant news and notices at www.brant.ca/Subscribe and following the County of Brant and Grand River Conservation Authority on social media for up-to-date information

Don’t wait for the waters to rise—learn if you are located in a floodplain and how to protect your home and family by visiting the Emergency Planning page on our website.