Issued at:  10:30 a.m. Monday February 4, 2019
Issued by:Maitland Conservation Flood Forecast Centre 

Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety

Maitland Conservation is issuing a Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety for all municipalities in the Maitland and Nine Mile River watersheds.

Surveys conducted late last week showed the snowpack contained 50 to 60 mm of water. Mild temperatures yesterday and today will melt most of the snowpack. The ground remains frozen throughout much of the watershed causing the snow melt to runoff into watercourses. In addition, 5 to 10 mm of rain is expected today. As a result, levels in streams and rivers will rise today and peak overnight into Tuesday. Flows are expected to remain high until Thursday.

Municipal officials have been asked to monitor low-lying and flood-prone roads. While significant flooding is not expected at this time, levels in streams and rivers may reach or exceed bankfull conditions resulting in some minor flooding in low-lying areas.

There is also the potential for ice jams to form particularly in the lower Maitland River and between the fish ladder and the mouth of the Nine Mile River in Port Albert. River levels may rise and fall quickly due to localized ice jams.

We remind people that slippery and unstable streambanks and cold water temperatures will create hazardous conditions around all watercourses.

Maitland Conservation is monitoring watershed conditions and will provide an update if warranted.

This message is in effect until 10:00 a.m. on Friday February 8, 2019.C

Contact:
Steve Jackson, Flood and Erosion Safety Services Coordinator
sjackson@mvca.on.ca
519-357-3557 ext. 230