Watershed Conditions Statement - CVCA
The Crowe Valley Conservation Authority is issuing the following WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT – effective immediately, Wednesday 15 January 2020.
WATER CONDITIONS STATEMENT – WATER SAFETY
Crowe Valley Conservation Authority staff have observed a significant increase in lake levels and river flows throughout the watershed due to above average temperatures and approximately 60-75mm of rainfall received on the 11th and 12th of January 2020. This has resulted in abrupt January thaw conditions throughout the area.
Ice on all tributaries has been worn thinner especially near inflows and outflows on lakes or at locations where currents have increased. Ice which was used recreationally or walked on only days ago will be eroded and may not be safe. The public, especially children, need to be vigilant and stay away from watercourses.
Flows around dams and hydro generation plants are near spring like condition and the ice thinning could be severe for a considerable distance upstream and downstream from these structures. Therefore, the CVCA strongly advises staying away from these potentially dangerous zones.
Hypothermia is also a real and distinct threat for anyone who ignores the warnings and either falls through the ice or into open water. Avoid banks of rivers and streams where snow and ice make unstable walking conditions which could lead to accidently falling into water. Smaller tributaries such as streams, creeks and ditches with fast flowing water must be avoided to eliminate exposure to hazardous conditions.
Ice and flow conditions can change quickly in the winter when above seasonal rainfall and temperatures occur, the public must remain vigilant at all times for their own personal safety.
The Crowe Valley Conservation Authority has issued this Water Safety Statement to inform the public of current and changing ice conditions. There is no threat of major flooding associated with these conditions unless ice jamming becomes a factor.
CVCA staff will continue to monitor levels and flows daily and this Watershed Conditions Statement will be updated 22 January 2020 or as conditions warrant. If there are any questions or concerns, contact Tim Pidduck, CVCA General Manager or Neil McConkey, Water Resources Supervisor at 613-472-3137. The CVCA includes portions of the municipalities of Trent Hills, Stirling-Rawdon, Marmora and Lake, Havelock-Belmont-Methuen, North Kawartha, Wollaston, Limerick, Tudor and Cashel, Faraday and Highlands East.
