February thaw prompts MVCA to issue watershed safety warning

By: Liz Dadson February 1, 2016 1284

February thaw prompts MVCA to issue watershed safety warning

The sunny, warm weather in the Kincardine area this week is welcome relief after the heavy snowfall and blowing and drifting snow of January, but it has also prompted the Maitland Valley Conservation Authority (MVCA) to issue a watershed safety warning.

Water rushes toward the Russell Street bridge, Kincardine, Monday afternoon

In a news release, Monday (Feb. 1), Stephen Jackson, flood and erosion safety services co-ordinator, states that the combination of warm temperatures and rain will cause the level of watercourses in the Maitland and Nine Mile River watersheds to rise and remain high throughout the week.

Daytime temperatures are forecast to be above freezing Tuesday and Wednesday and five to 10 millimetres (mm) of rain are expected, says Jackson. This will deplete much of the snow pack in some areas.

Measurements taken Monday morning indicate the water content in the snow pack varies between 20-60 mm. The snow pack will not be able to hold additional rainfall. The total runoff from rain and snow is expected be in the range of 25-35 mm. The ground is not frozen but it is saturated, so much of the runoff will flow to watercourses over the next several days.

While significant flooding is not expected at this time, municipal staff should monitor local problem areas and be prepared for closures of low-lying roads, Jackson says. "We remind people that slippery and unstable streambanks and cold water temperatures will create hazardous conditions around all watercourses."

The MVCA is monitoring watershed conditions and will provide an update, if warranted. This message is in effect until 4 p.m., Friday, Feb. 5.