Maitland Conservation is issuing a flood warning for 2 km downstream and 4 km upstream of the Patterson Bridge on County Rd. 25 in Auburn.
Although river levels have peaked from the rain that fell earlier this week, an ice jam in this area has significantly increased in size today. Flooding is now occurring downstream of the bridge and is likely to soon occur north of the bridge.
Municipal officials have been asked to monitor the area and ensure no on-lookers or trailer owners attempt to access the area.
Ice jams are very unpredictable. It is not possible to accurately predict when the ice will move. Maitland Conservation staff will be monitoring the area over the next several days and will provide an update if warranted.
The flood warning is in effect until at least Monday. Rain is in the forecast for the Auburn area on both Saturday and Sunday.
The Grand River Conservation Authority says the flood warning will remain in effect and warns there are ice jams in several locations.
The flood peak from Tuesday's rain and melt event is now moving through the lower portions of the Nith River at Canning, and for the Grand River, downstream of Brantford.
Flows are beginning to recede after the peak moves through, but levels will remain elevated for the rest of the week. A flood watch remains in effect for the entire Grand River watershed due to the potential for additional ice movement. Freezing temperatures have reduced runoff, but are generating frazil ice in open flowing parts of the rivers.
There are several ice jams on the Grand and Nith.
Another warming trend expected this weekend along with reduced flows, should reduce ice and decrease the risk of ice jams.
Inflows to the major reservoirs have generally peaked. Discharges have been reduced this morning, decreasing river flows to help reduce frazil ice generation and lower river levels in some of the ice jam areas.
The public is reminded to exercise extreme caution and stay off all water bodies. Ice cover, where it still exists, is unsafe.
Banks adjacent to rivers and creeks are very slippery at this time and, when combined with cold, fast-moving water, pose a serious hazard. Parents are encouraged to keep their children and pets away from all watercourses and off frozen water bodies.
In the meantime, authorities will maintain closure of the low-level bridge upstream of St. Jacobs at 1505 Three Bridge Rd. That bridge was closed Monday evening and remains flooded.
In Cambridge, an ice jam is in place through the Blair reach of the Grand River between Parkhill Dam and Fountain Street. This ice jam is also affecting the lower portion of the Speed River downstream of Riverside Park and along Blair Road which has been closed to traffic.
In the City of Brantford, an ice jam is in place through the dike reach of the Grand River affecting Gilkison St.
An ice jam is in place in Cayuga. River flows will continue to increase and may result in additional ice movement.
Several ice jams are in place on the Nith River through Wilmot Township and Blandford-Blenheim.
