WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT: Flood Watch Statement
April 7, 2014, 5:00 pm
SOUTH NATION WATERSHED – South Nation Conservation (SNC) is updating the watershed statement “Flood Watch” issued on April 6th as part of the Flood Forecasting and Warning Program. The purpose of this bulletin is to provide information regarding the forecasted weather and the potential of flooding throughout the SNC jurisdiction.
Environment Canada (EC) is forecasting 15-25 mm of rainfall for today and Tuesday, April 8th. Also, EC forecasted an increase in temperatures for this week with a high of 15 OC with night temperatures at 3 OC tonight and around 0 OC until Friday.
Currently all the stream gauge stations in the watershed are reporting above normal water level for this time of year. Due to the warmer temperatures experienced yesterday and today, the snow pack is gradually reducing. However the remaining snow on the ground is higher in water content and will increase run off.
In addition, ice covered areas have decreased in the last two days, however, the ice sheet remains in several areas of the watershed, increasing the potential for ice jamming.
Starting tonight it is expected to see water levels increasing due to the forecasted rain. This will cause flooding in low lying areas and areas prone to flood on annual basis. The South Nation River water levels are expected to peak in the Alfred Plantagenet area between Wednesday afternoon to Thursday morning. Some access roads may need to be closed due to flooding. There is also potential for blocked storm drains, catch basins and culverts which may also cause localized flooding.
Residents are advised to stay away from rivers as the forecasted weather may rapidly increase river flows, cause slippery river banks, and weaken ice cover. Parents are encouraged to explain these dangers to their children.
SNC cautions residents to be aware of the potential for flooding, fast flowing water and the associated risks.
SNC staff will continue to monitor the water levels and weather forecasts as part of the Flood Forecasting and Warning program and daily updates during this event.
SNC encourages the public to visit our webpage at www.nation.on.ca and to also provide feedback with respect to changes in water related conditions in their local areas (i.e. high water elevations, road inundation, ice break-up, etc.).
All enquiries can be sent to Geoff Owens at gowens@nation.on.ca or Sandra Mancini at smancini@nation.on.ca. For additional information please contact at SNC 1-877-984-2948.
Duty Officer:
Geoff Owens
Cell: 613-551-9170
Alternate Contact:
Sandra Mancini
Cell: 613-551-3242