By Staff
February 19th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
The snowfall was heavy the past three weeks – the sudden rise in temperatures means that snow is going to melt faster than normal and fill the 13 creeks that run through the city from the Escarpment to the lake.
Conservation Halton advises that Environment Canada is forecasting steady periods of rainfall for Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday associated with a Low Pressure system. Numerical weather models are currently indicating that our jurisdiction could see upwards of 30 to 40mm of precipitation over that time period. In addition to the precipitation, models are predicting double digit temperatures Monday overnight into Tuesday morning without a return to below freezing temperatures until Thursday.
Children can be near water as long as there are parents very close by.
Based on the forecast of mild temperatures and rainfall, combined with the anticipated melt of our existing snowpack, we may experience an increase in flows and water levels in our creeks throughout Halton. In addition, the snowpack melt may contribute to blockages at bridges and culverts and produce localized flooding concerns in low lying areas. Areas of historic ice jam impacts including Lowville and Lower Grindstone Creek should be particularly aware during this event.
Widespread flooding is not currently anticipated. Our reservoirs are currently at winter holding levels which allows for larger storage capacity for circumstances of this nature.
Heavy snow in the past three weeks.
Conservation Halton is asking all residents and children to keep a safe distance from all watercourses and structures such as bridges, culverts and dams. Elevated water levels, fast flowing water, and slippery conditions along stream banks continue to make these locations extremely dangerous. Please alert children in your care of these imminent dangers.
Conservation Halton will continue to monitor stream and weather conditions and will issue an update to this Watershed Condition Statement –Water Safety message as conditions warrant.
This Watershed Condition Statement will be in effect through Wednesday February 21st, 2018.
