Water Conditions Statement - Water Safety

The Crowe Valley Conservation Authority is issuing the following WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT – effective immediately, Tuesday, 17 March 2020.

WATER CONDITIONS STATEMENT – WATER SAFETY

Recent precipitation and snowmelt in the Crowe Valley Conservation Authority watershed has begun to have an impact on lake levels, stream and river flows. Further precipitation this week and warmer temperatures by the week’s end will continue to raise levels and flows.

Mixed precipitation for today and the next 72 hour period will determine the extent of the increased levels and flows. Daytime and overnight temperatures will also influence the rate of melt.

There is potential for minor flooding in flood prone areas of the Crowe Valley watershed, typical at the start of the spring freshet. The potential for more severe flooding will be dependent on further rainfall events and the temperature experienced throughout the watershed.

Flows around dams and hydro generation plants have increased and the ice thinning could be severe for a considerable distance from the dam. Structures such as culverts and bridges with fast flowing water going through or underneath them must be avoided as well. Ice which was used recreationally or walked on only days ago will begin to wear away and may not be safe. CVCA staff strongly advise residents, especially children stay away from these dangerous zones.

Hypothermia is also a 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 slippery or 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.

The Crowe Valley Conservation Authority has issued this Water Safety Statement to inform the public of current water levels, flows and changing ice conditions.

CVCA staff will continue to monitor levels and flows daily and this Watershed Conditions Statement will be updated 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.

P.O Box 416, 70 Hughes Lane
Marmora, ON
K0K 2M0

Phone: 613-472-3137
Fax: 613-472-5516
www.crowevalley.com