MISSISSIPPI AND CARP RIVER WATERSHEDS— The Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority has upgraded its FLOOD WATCH to a FLOOD WARNING for Dalhousie Lake. Levels on the lake have continued to rise as the remainder of the snowmelt enters the watershed. With no rain in the forecast levels are expected to stabilized as soon as runoff rates subside over the next couple of days.
A FLOOD WARNING is in effect for the CLYDE RIVER. Flows on the Clyde and Fall rivers continue to rise at a steady rate and are expected to slow but continue to increase over the next two days.
Flows within the Indian and Carp Rivers appear to have peaked and are expected to continue to trend downward.
Smaller creeks, tributaries and ditches are flowing full over overtopped in numerous areas of the watershed. Parents are encouraged to remind their children about hypothermia and the dangers of playing on or near ice covered surfaces or fast flowing water in ditches and smaller creeks. Residents are strongly urged to stay off all ice covered waterways.
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 Monday, April 10, 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.
Contact: Jennifer North
Water Resources Technologist
613-253-0006 ext. 243
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
www.mvc.on.ca
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.