Re:       2023.03.31 WATER CONDITIONS STATEMENT- Water Safety

Flows expected to increase over the weekend in smaller rivers, creeks, and ditches
 
March 31, 2023 MISSISSIPPI AND CARP RIVER WATERSHEDS— Forecasted precipitation and warmer weather for the weekend could cause smaller rivers such as the Carp and Indian Rivers, and creeks and ditches to experience increasing flows over the weekend. Flows along the larger rivers such as the Clyde, Fall and Mississippi Rivers will continue to increase steadily into next week.
 
With flows and water temperature continuing to increase, ice conditions on lakes and rivers are deteriorating. Residents are strongly urged to stay off all ice-covered waterways.
 
Large river systems and inland lakes are not expected to flood at this time, although ice jams can form along rivers. This can cause water levels to rise quickly without warning.
Ice conditions can change drastically due to increased flows.  The shoreline adjacent to lakes, rivers and creeks is very slippery and poses a serious hazard. Falling into open water could result in hypothermia or drowning.
 
The Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority (MVCA) reminds the public to exercise extreme caution around all water bodies:

The public and pets should stay off all frozen water bodies.
Parents are urged to remind children about the dangers of playing on or near ice covered surfaces and open water.
 
Residents in flood prone or low-lying areas historically susceptible to flooding should take the necessary precautions to protect their property, such as:

Ensuring sump pump is clear, in good working condition and has a backwater valve on it
Portable backup generator and pump
Ensuring downspouts are clear and the outlet is at least 3 m from the dwelling
Removing or securing items that might float away as flows increase
Removing valuable items from basements or lower floors that could be subject to flooding
Keep emergency phone numbers handy
Familiarize yourself with your municipality’s emergency preparedness plan
 
This Watershed Conditions Statement is in effect until the end of the day on Thursday, April 6, 2023 and will be updated at that time unless the forecasts change.
 
 Please visit the MVCA’s website for more information on:

Water levels and flow data: mvc.on.ca/water-levels
Watershed Conditions Messages: mvc.on.ca/watershed-conditions-message.
 
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Contact: Jennifer North
Water Resources Technologist
613-253-0006 ext. 243
              www.mvc.on.ca
                                      

 
Newsrooms please note:

A Watershed Conditions Statement is NOT a flood warning. Its purpose is to raise public awareness about a change or potential change in watershed conditions.
 
See below for watershed conditions terminology:
 
Watershed Conditions Statement: general notice of weather conditions that could pose a risk to personal safety or which have the potential to lead to flooding. There are two variations of these:

Water Safety Statement: High flows, unsafe banks, melting ice or other factors could be dangerous for recreational users such as anglers, canoeists, hikers, children, pets, etc. Flooding is not expected.

Flood Outlook Statement: Early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts calling for heavy rain, snow melt, high wind or other conditions that could lead to high runoff, cause ice jams, lakeshore flooding or erosion.
 
Flood Watch: Flooding is possible in specific watercourses or municipalities. Municipalities, emergency services and individual landowners in flood-prone areas should prepare.
 
Flood Warning: Flooding is imminent or already occurring in specific watercourses or municipalities. Municipalities and individuals should act to deal with flood conditions. This may include road closures and evacuations.