Grand River Conservation Authority issues Flood Watch

The Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) has issued the following Flood Message #1: Flood Watch

The Grand River Conservation Authority is issuing the following Flood Watch for the entire watershed due an increased risk of snowmelt, runoff and ice jam formation.

Weather forecast

A low-pressure system moving across the central United States is expected to bring warmer temperatures and precipitation to the watershed tomorrow and Wednesday. Daytime high temperatures are expected to range from 3 to 7 degrees Celsius on Tuesday, March 4, and 8 to 10 degrees Celsius on Wednesday, March 5, with warmer temperatures in the south and cooler temperatures in the north of the watershed. Rainfall is forecast to be as high as 20 to 25 mm across the watershed.

Heightened Risk of Ice Jams

The river system is largely ice covered and there is a heavy snowpack across most of the watershed. The warm conditions and rain will generate runoff and will likely be sufficient to cause the river ice cover 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 should 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. High flows and unstable ice conditions will increase the safety risk around rivers and streams throughout the watershed.

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

The public is encouraged to exercise extreme caution around all local waterways. Banks adjacent to rivers and creeks are very slippery and, when combined with cold, fast-moving water, pose a serious hazard. River ice cover will be unstable due to thawing conditions and fluctuating water levels. Most waterbodies throughout the Grand River watershed are not monitored for the purpose of winter recreation, and the public is reminded to stay off of unmonitored water bodies due to unsafe conditions. Parents are reminded to keep their children and pets away from all watercourses. Recreational users near local waterways should be aware of the current conditions and exercise additional caution.

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

This message will remain in effect until Thursday, March 6, at 12:00 p.m.

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 Twitter at grca_flood_msg.

More information about how the GRCA manages floods is available in the Flooding section of the website.

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.