Grand River Conservation Authority extends Flood Watch

The Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) has issued the following Flood Message #2: Flood Watch

The Grand River Conservation Authority is extending the Flood Watch for the entire watershed that was issued on March 3, 2025, due an increased risk of ice jam formation following snowmelt and runoff from recent rain events.

Heightened Risk of Ice Jams

A series of low-pressure systems brought above-freezing temperatures and 10 to 20 mm of precipitation to the watershed on March 4 and 5, 2025. Runoff and snowmelt from this event have increased water levels in local rivers and streams. A substantial amount of ice is still present in watercourses and some small ice jams have been observed upstream of Brant Conservation Area and upstream of Veterans Memorial Parkway in Brantford, as well as in the community of York.

Elevated flows may cause the ice to break up and start moving, which raises the risk of ice jam formation and associated flood potential. Municipal flood coordinators are advised to monitor areas that have historically experienced ice jam flooding and be prepared to initiate their municipal flood response plans.

Residents who typically experience flooding should be prepared as conditions can change quickly and without warning. Residents are encouraged to familiarize themselves with their local municipal flood response programs and be prepared for flooding due to the elevated risk with this event.

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.

Public Safety

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, 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 additional flood messages will be issued as needed.

This message will remain in effect until Monday, March 10, at 12:00 pm.

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.