Conservation authorities in Midwestern Ontario are monitoring the warm and rainy conditions which will lead to high water flows and minor flooding.
Rainfall amounts of 10 to 25 mm are expected locally Tuesday, with temperatures reaching near 10 degrees Celsius by late afternoon. Some melting of the remaining snowpack can be expected to increase the potential for runoff and elevating water levels. Current snowpack data shows approximately 15-30 mm of water equivalent in the snowpack
The Maitland Valley Conservation Authority has reissued a flood watch for the Lower Maitland River including Saltford, and the mouth of the Nine Mile River in Port Albert. That follows the formation of ice jams last week and the potential for another rise in river levels.
Its expected ice breakup throughout the watershed will likely continue with elevated flows and may worsen existing jams. There’s also potential for new jams to form, typically at any major crossings, culverts, and river bends upstream of major river outlets.
The Saugeen Valley and Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authorities have issued flood outlook statements.
