CATFISH CREEK CONSERVATION AUTHORITY
WATER SAFETY
WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT

For Immediate Release
Water Safety, Watershed Condition Statement for Residents of Catfish Creek Watershed
Issued on January 7, 2026, at 10:45 A.M.
Issued by: Peter Dragunas, Water Management Technician
Catfish Creek Conservation Authority
(519) 773-9037

This is a Water Safety, Watershed Condition Statement indicating that high flows, unsafe banks, melting snow or other factors could be dangerous for waterway recreators. Flooding is not expected at this time.

Effective immediately, the Catfish Creek Conservation Authority is issuing a Water Safety, Watershed Conditions Statement for flood prone low-lying areas adjacent to watercourses of the Catfish Creek watershed and its tributaries. At present stream flow and water levels remain near average within the Catfish Creek watershed. The long-term weather forecast calls for approximately 25mm of rain over the next 5 days. The existing snowpack is presently saturated and has a combined potential to contribute another estimated 15mm of water for runoff.

Existing frozen ground coverage remains intermittent throughout the watershed and is dependent on surrounding environmental conditions. Due to soil saturation in open areas surface runoff is expected in these saturated areas. As a result, infiltration of the forecast snowmelt/rainfall will be site conditional and limited. Any potential runoff may have the capacity to progressively elevate water levels within the watershed.

Due to these adverse weather conditions, there is a capacity for higher water levels, mechanical ice breakup of the remaining structurally compromised ice, and possible ice flows. This will result in unsafe channel bank conditions and other unpredictable dangers around waterways. People intending to undertake any recreational activities around watercourses need to abstain from these areas under these conditions. The public is encouraged to exercise extreme caution near open bodies of water, and to keep children away from waterways during times of increased water flow. Landowners are advised to check dams, culverts, and catch basins and make sure they are free from debris and function as intended during elevated water conditions.

CCCA will continue to monitor watershed conditions and will issue updates and recommendations, as necessary. CCCA always recommends taking any necessary precautions to minimize the results of flood impacts of the Catfish Creek and its tributaries.

This Watershed Condition Statement is in effect until 12:00 p.m., Monday, January 12 and will be adjusted accordingly if required or otherwise expire. Residents are asked to closely watch local conditions and take responsible action. Updates will be made available when and if conditions warrant.