The Water and Stewardship Technologist for the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority says conditions for this weekend and for the next two weeks look almost ideal for a slow gradual melt this year.
Ross Wilson points out last year the snow pack had anywhere from 100-150mm of water equivalent, but because the melting was gradual there was very little flooding and this year the water content is generally below 100mm.
Wilson adds even with the warmer weather in the next three or four days, the nights are cool enough to slow down the melting and then in the next ten to 14 days, temperatures are expected to hover slightly above or at the freezing mark. This means melting will continue, but at a very gradual pace, much like last year.
Wilson adds the greater threat at this time is the potential for people falling through the ice. He stresses the thickness of the ice anywhere is inconsistent under these weather conditions and strongly recommends that people stay off of the ice. Added to the strong possibility that the ice could give way is the fact that the water this time of year is very cold and hypothermia is a real threat.
