Maitland Conservation has issued a Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety for all municipalities in the Maitland and Nine Mile River watersheds.
The statement is in response to a series of successive low-pressure systems sweeping through Midwestern Ontario.
The ongoing weather pattern, marked by rainfall and mild temperatures, has prompted concerns about water safety in the region. Wednesday, January 24, 2024's system brought 10 – 15 mm of rain, with forecasts predicting continued rain and milder temperatures on Thursday. Another system is expected to pass through Thursday night, bringing an additional 15 – 20 mm of rain through early Friday morning.
The combination of this week's precipitation and mild temperatures poses the risk of significant snowpack melt in the watersheds, holding up to 30 – 40 mm of water equivalent. A substantial melt could lead to strong runoff, rapidly elevating water levels in rivers and streams across the area.
While major flooding is not anticipated, there is a potential for watercourses to approach or exceed bankfull conditions, resulting in minor ponding in typical low-lying areas. The weakening of river ice and the possibility of breakup are concerns, with ice jamming remaining unpredictable and capable of causing localized flooding in non-traditional areas.
As of Thursday morning, substantial river ice has been observed from the mouth of the Maitland River in Goderich upstream through Saltford. Though there are no significant signs of jamming, Maitland Conservation will continue monitoring conditions.
The public is reminded to exercise caution around watercourses due to slippery and unstable streambanks, coupled with cold-water temperatures. River ice is deemed extremely unstable and hazardous.
The advisory remains in effect until the afternoon of Monday, January 29, 2024.
