Grand River Conservation Authority issues Flood Watch

The Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) is issuing a Flood Watch message for the entire Grand River watershed.

Weather forecast

Temperatures in the watershed are predicted to reach double digits above freezing starting Friday March 14, 2025, and remain above zero over the weekend. A Colorado low system is forecast to move across the watershed on Saturday and Sunday, bringing approximately 25 to 30 mm of rain. The snowpack in the northern part of the watershed still contains a significant amount of water content. Warm temperatures combined with expected rainfall will result in snowmelt and runoff. 

Flood Watch for the entire Grand River watershed

The snowpack across the watershed has been melting from recent warm temperatures, which has led to increased water levels. Higher flows in local waterways combined with runoff from this event will increase the risk of flooding in low-lying areas typically prone to flooding.  

GRCA Reservoirs

The major reservoirs at Belwood, Conestogo, Guelph, Luther, Woolwich, Laurel, and Shade’s are at normal levels for this time of year and have storage available to help reduce the impact of 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. Parents are reminded to keep their children and pets away from all watercourses. 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 additional flood messages will be issued as needed.

This message will remain in effect until 12:00 pm on Wednesday, March 19, 2025. 

More information

• 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.