CRCA Extends Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety

Published on: 2017/02/28 - in Releases

The Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority (CRCA) is extending the Water Safety Statement into next week due to forecast rain and warmer temperatures.

Recent unusually warm temperatures and rainfall has caused creeks to rise and flows to increase. Stream and river banks remain slippery and water currents remain strong and dangerously cold. The CRCA continues to urge residents to exercise caution around lakes and streams, to stay off thinning ice cover and away from cold, deep, fast flowing watercourses and dams.

Widespread flooding is NOT expected. However, creek levels remain elevated and localized flooding of low lying areas remains a possibility with the addition of rainfall expected on Wednesday.

CRCA staff will continue to monitor conditions and forecasts, and update our messaging to suit.

This statement is valid until: March 8, 2017


A watershed conditions statement is NOT a flood warning. Its purpose is to raise public awareness about a change or potential change in watershed conditions.

Watershed conditions terminology:

Watershed Conditions Statement: general notice of weather conditions that could pose a risk to personal safety or which have the potential to lead to flooding.

There are two variations of these:

* Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety: High flows, unsafe banks, melting ice or other factors could be dangerous for recreational users such as anglers, canoeists, hikers, children, pets, etc. Flooding is not expected.

* Watershed Conditions Statement – Flood Outlook: Early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts calling for heavy rain, snow melt, high wind or other conditions that could lead to high runoff, cause ice jams, lakeshore flooding or erosion.


Release source: CRCA.ca | Photo: Per (cc)