St. Thomas – Kettle Creek Conservation Authority (KCCA) is issuing a Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety, reminding residents to take extra caution near creeks and streams due to the potential higher than normal water level conditions as warmer temperatures and wet weather moves through the area.
Environment Canada is tracking a series of low-pressure systems that are moving through the region over the next few days bringing the potential for prolonged significant rain and mixed precipitation along with unseasonably warm temperatures. Total accumulation over the next five days may be in the range of 15-20mm. At this time, the track of the low-pressure system is uncertain, and as such precipitation timing and amounts may change.
“Patchy snow cover throughout the watershed and frozen ground conditions could contribute to increased runoff, resulting in elevated water levels in local creeks and streams,” says Jennifer Dow, Water Resources Supervisor for Kettle Creek Conservation Authority. No significant flooding is expected with this event. However, local watercourses may reach or exceed their banks, leading to localized flooding in floodplains, ponding in low-lying areas and agricultural fields, and locations with poor drainage. Watershed areas that receive prolonged heavy rain have a heightened risk for flash and minor localized flooding.
Fast-moving water can be an attraction to the public – especially children – but they should stay away. Banks are extremely slippery, and the water is very cold. Parents and guardians are urged to keep children away from ponds and reservoirs. Winter weather in southwestern Ontario can be unpredictable, which can make rivers and lakes more dangerous than normal as conditions can change quickly,” warns Dow.
Field observations taken along Kettle Creek down to Port Stanley indicate open water conditions out to the currently ice-free Lake Erie. “At this time, water levels throughout the watershed are below the seasonal average, however conditions can change quickly,” says Dow.
Residents along Kettle Creek are advised to monitor their local conditions. People are reminded to remove property from low-lying areas and to clear debris from storm drains. “It’s important that the rain and snowmelt has somewhere to go,” advises Dow.
At this time, forecasted wind speeds and direction, and current Lake Erie water levels are not conducive to storm surge in Port Stanley. A close watch on local conditions is recommended should conditions change.
KCCA will closely monitor local conditions and will provide any updates if conditions warrant. This Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety will remain in effect until 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, December 11, 2024. For further updates visit www.kettlecreekconservation.on.ca or connect with KCCA socially on Twitter @KettleCreekCA or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/KettleCreekCa .
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Jennifer Dow
Water Resources Supervisor
519-631-1270 x228
The Kettle Creek Conservation Authority issues three levels of messages:
- Watershed Conditions Statement: a 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.
- Flood Watch: Flooding is possible in specific watercourses or municipalities. Municipalities, emergency services and individual landowners in flood-prone areas should prepare.
- Flood Warning: Flooding is imminent or already occurring in specific watercourses or municipalities. Municipalities and individuals should take action to deal with flood conditions. This may include road closures and evacuations.