News release - Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority
Flood Potential: Moderate
Ice Jam Potential: Moderate
Weather Conditions
The weather forecast is calling for the low air temperature, as low as -20°C overnight, during the next five days. The sustained westerly winds in the range of 25-30 km/hour are also expected, producing wind chill temperatures of -20 to -30°C.
Many of the watercourses within the NVCA are currently experiencing elevated flows as a result of last week’s rainfall and still do not have an established ice cover.
Issues
Lack of ice cover, turbulent flows and exposure of the water surface to air temperatures below -18°C can trigger the formation of frazil ice. This type of ice can accumulate rapidly on water structures such as bridge abutments, piers, riverbanks, and channels, obstructing the flow of water and causing the water level to rise. Where the frazil ice jam forms, elevated water levels and flooding upstream of the jam can occur.
Actions
Municipalities, emergency services and individual landowners in flood-prone areas should be on alert and are strongly encouraged to keep a close watch for frazil ice generation, and fluctuating water levels, and to take action to limit or prevent damages due to potential flooding.
Hazardous conditions may exist around all waterbodies, as there is a high risk of life-threatening injury if a person falls into the extremely cold water. The public and especially children are advised to stay away from all waterbodies.
The Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority continues to monitor river and stream conditions and will issue additional messages as conditions warrant. This Flood Watch Statement will be in effect until, or updated before, 4:00 p.m., Friday January 19, 2024.
