Forecast rainfall and snow melt brings water safety statement – all ice unsafe
Administrator | Mar 07, 2016 | Comments 0
Quinte Conservation has issued a Water Safety Statement for the region due to higher temperatures and rain in the forecast.
“The next few days will bring higher temperatures that won’t dip below freezing even overnight,” said Christine McClure, Water Resources Manager. “There is still some snow in the northern parts of our watershed, but that will likely all be gone by Friday. With the snow melt and rain in the forecast, the flows in the Moira, Salmon and Napanee Rivers will increase. We can expect to see the impact of the melt toward the end of this week and into next week.”
McClure said there is no concern about flooding and predicts this should be a typical spring runoff with ponding of water in low lying areas and some nuisance flooding.
“We expect our river systems can handle the increased flows from the melt at this time,” she said, noting Quinte Conservation staff will be monitoring conditions closely.
McClure said all ice conditions should be considered unsafe.
“Parents and guardians are urged to keep children off the ice. Stream banks will be slippery and treacherous. Dams and other water control structures should be avoided at all times due to strong currents. Hypothermia is real concern for anyone who falls into the water, even in a ditch or small creek.”
Residents should take care to monitor their sump pumps and ensure they are in good condition during this type of weather because of local ponding water.
Quinte Conservation is issuing a Water Safety Statement regarding the changing conditions in the watershed. A Water Safety Statement indicates that high flows, unsafe banks, melting ice or other factors could be dangerous for users such as anglers, boaters, swimmers, children or pets. Flooding is not expected.
The statement is valid until March 11, 2016.
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