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Photo of body of water with melting ice. A yellow box with black text reads 'Caution around waterbodies'

With above seasonal daytime temperatures and several millimetres of rain forecasted over the next few days, the Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority (MVCA) is reminding residents to exercise extreme caution near rivers and waterbodies that have high flows and slippery bank conditions. No flooding is anticipated at this time; however, runoff amounts may result in higher water levels in creeks and streams, and along roadside ditches.

Ice thickness can also change drastically due to increased flows and rising temperatures.  The shoreline adjacent to lakes, rivers and creeks is very slippery and poses a serious hazard.  Falling into open water could result in hypothermia or drowning. No ice is safe ice.

Rainfall can cause ice jams to occur along the river.  This can cause water levels to rise rapidly without warning.

The MVCA reminds the public to exercise extreme caution around all water bodies:

  • People and pets should stay away from all frozen or fast-moving water bodies.

  • Parents are urged to remind children about the dangers of playing on or near ice covered surfaces and open water.

Residents in flood prone areas are advised to maintain a close watch on water levels and flows and take the necessary precautions to protect their property by:

  • Ensuring sump pumps are clear, in good working condition and have backwater valves.

  • Having a portable generator and backup pump available.

  • Ensuring downspouts are clear and the outlet is at least 3 m from any structure.

  • Removing or securing items that might float away as flows increase.

This message will be in effect until (or updated before) March 11, 2024.

Daily water levels and flows are available on the MVCA website at https://mvc.on.ca/water-levels/.  

See below for 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:

  • Water Safety Statement: 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.

  • Flood Outlook Statement: 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 act to deal with flood conditions. This may include road closures and evacuations.