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Watershed Condition Status – Water Safety Statement
Posted: Mar 16, 2022
Watershed Condition Status – Water Safety Statement
.jpg) Issued March 16, 2022 @ 9:00 am The Sault Ste. Marie Region Conservation Authority is issuing a water safety statement to residents regarding current watershed conditions. Flood forecasting and warning are part of the Conservation Authority’s provincially mandated responsibilities. This statement is sent out so that residents can be informed and aware. A significant warming trend will affect a large portion of the province over the next 5 days with above freezing daytime temperatures expected. Accompanying these warm temperatures, most of the province is expected to experience a series of weak low-pressure systems that will cause unsettled conditions through the forecast period, bringing mixed sun and cloudy periods with the possibility of rain showers and snow flurries. Expected accumulations for the 5-day forecast period is 5 – 15 mm / cm locally. Warm temperatures and forecast precipitation will result in a spring melt and produce runoff across the watershed. Currently, local rivers, creeks and streams are flowing at normal levels. The precipitation forecast combined with snowmelt may contribute to substantial runoff to rivers and streams resulting in the potential for flooding of low-lying areas. The flood control channels owned and maintained by the Sault Ste. Marie Region Conservation Authority are currently flowing at normal levels. The flood control channels will experience a rise in water levels. It is important to remember that the water in rivers, streams and the channels will be cold and fast flowing during and after a rainfall event. Be safe this spring and remember the following tips: • Keep family and pets away from the edges of all bodies of water. • Do not attempt to walk on ice-covered waterbodies or drive through flooded roads or fast-moving water. • If you live next to a river or stream, move objects, such as chairs or benches away from the water’s edge to avoid losing them during potential spring high water. • Avoid walking close to/across flood control channels, riverbanks, and ice-covered water to prevent falling through. • Rescuing another person or a pet from icy water is dangerous. If you see anyone that has fallen through the ice call 911 for help immediately. The Sault Ste. Marie Region Conservation Authority will continue to closely monitor stream flows across the watershed. Residents and visitors are urged to stay away from the flood control channels and all waterways. Flows can be especially dangerous and stream banks can be slippery. Please keep children and pets away from waterways during this time. This message will be in effect until (or updated before) March 22, 2021. # # #
For further information contact: Christine Ropeter, Assistant Manager SSMRCA cropeter@ssmrca.ca 705-946-8530 ext.#1001 |
Current Watershed Conditions
Sault Ste. Marie Region Conservation Authority (SSMRCA)
