News Release
For immediate release

The Kettle Creek Conservation Authority (KCCA) urges residents to stay off frozen creeks, lakes and reservoirs throughout the watershed.  Conditions are unsafe for on-ice activities such as skating and ice fishing at this time.

While colder temperatures allow for some ice formation, most water bodies throughout the Kettle Creek watershed are not monitored for the purpose of winter recreation and may not be safe.  Ice conditions are susceptible to daily changes in temperature, wind, precipitation and underwater currents.  Accessing frozen water bodies puts both the public and municipal first responders at risk.  Anyone who falls through the ice could experience hypothermia and death within minutes.

“Ice can be tricky – it can be thick and strong in one spot, while thin and weak in another and conditions change daily, sometimes hourly,“ warns Dow.  “Minimize your risk – no ice is 100% safe all the time!”

Banks adjacent to rivers and creeks are very slippery and, when combined with cold, fast-flowing water, pose a serious hazard.  With schools closed and many families at home, parents are encouraged to remind their children of the risks associated with these hazards and keep pets away from all water bodies. “Water and ice are always an attraction to children,” says Dow.

This message will remain in effect until March 31, 2021 and will be updated if necessary. For further information, log on to www.kettlecreekconservation.on.ca or connect with Kettle Creek Conservation Authority socially on Facebook and Twitter @KettleCreekCA.

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For more information:
Jennifer Dow
Water Conservation Supervisor
519-631-1270 x228

The Kettle Creek Conservation Authority issues three levels of messages:

• Watershed Conditions Statement (Previously High Water Safety Bulletin): 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 (Previously Flood Advisory): Flooding is possible in specific watercourses or municipalities. Municipalities, emergency services and individual landowners in flood-prone areas should prepare.
• Flood Warning (No change): 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.