Current Status: Watershed Condition Statement – Water Safety

Date: Marzo 24, 2023

Time: 10:00 PM

Conservation Halton advises that Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued a Special Weather Statement for Sábado Marzo 25th.  Rainfall amounts between 15 mm to 25 mm are expected with mixed precipitation in the morning changing to rain before tapering off in the evening.  Rainfall/snow amounts will vary across Conservation Halton watersheds.  Daytime temperatures will be above freezing, which will contribute to snowmelt.  On addition, strong Easterly wind gusts of 70-80 km/hr can be expected. 

Widespread flooding is not anticipated, however, fast flowing water and flooding of low-lying areas, natural floodplains, and areas with poor drainage may be expected.  In addition, elevated lake levels and high waves are anticipated along Lake Ontario shoreline areas within the Town of Oakville and City of Burlington.

Conservation Halton is asking all residents and children to stay off any remaining ice-covered bodies of water and keep a safe distance from all watercourses and structures such as bridges, culverts, and dams.  Elevated water levels, fast flowing water, and cold-water temperatures combined with slippery conditions along stream banks continue to make these locations extremely dangerous.  Residents and children should also exercise caution around Lake Ontario shoreline areas.  Poor weather conditions combined with cold water temperatures and the potential for waves to overtop breakwalls and other shoreline structures continue to make these locations extremely dangerous.  Please alert children in your care of these imminent dangers.

Conservation Halton will continue to monitor stream and weather conditions and will issue an update to this Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety message as conditions warrant.  This Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety will be in effect through Lunes Marzo 27, 2023.  For further information or questions regarding this message contact:

Glenn Farmer, Flood Duty Officer Engineering M: 647-458-1046             floodadmin@hrca.on.ca

Shelly Datseris Manager, Communications & Marketing M: 905-208-0030 sdatseris@hrca.on.ca

Note: A Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety is issued as an early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecast of heavy rain, snowmelt, high wind or other conditions that could lead to high runoff, ice jams, shoreline flooding or erosion.

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Spring Safety Message: Exercise Caution Near Waterways

Viernes Marzo 9, 2023

BURLINGTON – Conservation Halton reminds residents of the dangers that can exist near streams, rivers, ponds, and lakes around this time of year, and urges people to keep family and pets away from any water’s edge.

There is still a significant amount of snow throughout Conservation Halton’s jurisdiction resulting from recent snowfall events.  The ground remains frozen and smaller streams and ponds may still be partially covered in ice.  With warmer weather, comes melting snow and potential rain which will contribute to higher water levels and increased velocities in local watercourses.  As well, slippery and unstable streambanks and extremely cold-water temperatures can also lead to hazardous conditions close to bodies of water.

​Be safe this spring and remember the following tips:

• Mantenga a la familia y a las mascotas alejadas de los bordes de todas las masas de agua.
• Avoid all recreational activities in or around water, especially any waterbodies with remaining ice cover.
• Do not attempt to walk on ice-covered waterbodies or drive through flooded roads or fast-moving water.
• If you live close to water, move objects such as chairs or benches away from the edge to avoid losing them during potential spring high water.
• Avoid walking close to/across riverbanks and ice-covered water to prevent falling through. River banks can become unstable in the spring due to snowmelt and erosion.
• Rescuing another person or a pet from icy water is dangerous. If you see anyone that has fallen through the ice call 911 for help immediately.

For more information, contact your local Conservation Authority.

• Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority (905) 895-1281
• Toronto & Region Conservation Authority (416) 661-6514
• Conservation Halton (905) 336-1158
• Credit Valley Conservation (905) 670-1615
• Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority (905) 579-0411
• Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority (905) 885-8173
• Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority (705) 424-1479
• Kawartha Conservation (705) 328-2271

About Conservation Halton’s Flood Forecasting and Operations Program

Conservation Halton ofrece un programa de previsión de inundaciones y operaciones para reducir el riesgo de daños a la propiedad y la pérdida de vidas debido a las inundaciones.

When flooding is possible or about to occur, Conservation Halton issues flood messages to municipal emergency management officials, school boards, police, and EMS as well as the media.  The municipal officials then take action to warn local residents.

Conservation Halton is responsible for the maintenance and operation of four major flood control dams (Kelso, Hilton Falls, Scotch Block and Mountsberg) and over 12 kilometers of flood conveyance channels (Sixteen Mile Creek through Milton, Morrison-Wedgewood diversion in Oakville and the Hager-Rambo diversion in Burlington).

Conservation Halton is the community based environmental agency that protects, restores, and manages the natural resources in its watershed. The organization has staff that includes ecologists, land use planners, engineers, foresters, and educators, along with a network of volunteers, who are guided by a Board of Directors comprised of municipally elected and appointed citizens. Conservation Halton is recognized for its stewardship of creeks, forests and Niagara Escarpment lands through science-based programs and services.

CONTACTS:

Glenn Farmer
Manager, Flood Forecasting & Operations
Mobile: 647-458-1046
gfarmer@hrca.on.ca

Shelly Datseris
Manager, Communications and Marketing
Mobile: 905-208-0030
sdatseris@hrca.on.ca

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Current Rivers & Streams Flood Status: Normal

Conservation Halton Flood Terminology

The following is the flood and water safety terminology that is used by Conservation Halton, as well as other conservation authorities throughout Ontario, and Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry. The terms were developed by a committee of representatives of conservation authorities, Conservation Ontario, the Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry and Environment Canada, to ensure alignment with terminology used by other agencies such as the Weather Network.

Additional Resources