Watershed conditions statements have been issued by Maitland Conservation and the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority.
As a result of the mild temperatures and heavy rainfall Monday night, levels in streams and rivers will rise on Tuesday. Flows are expected to remain high until Thursday or Friday.
There is the potential for ice jams in the lower Maitland River and between the fish ladder and the mouth of the Nine Mile River in Port Albert.
Ice jam flooding potential is also limited to the lower portions of the Ausable and Bayfield Rivers, including the river mouth areas of Port Franks, Bayfield, and – to a lesser extent – Grand Bend. River levels may rise and fall quickly due to localized ice jams.
Municipal staff are monitoring local drainage problem areas where snow conditions may have covered catch basins.
Smaller rural watercourses have been drifted in by snow which, during a runoff, can block flows and back up water onto adjacent lands, resulting in localized flooding problems.
Watershed residents are reminded to stay away from creeks, rivers, other watercourses.
