CATFISH CREEK CONSERVATION AUTHORITY
WATER SAFETY
WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT

For Immediate Release
Water Safety, Watershed Condition Statement for Residents of the Catfish Creek Conservation Authorities Administrative Area
Issued on December 29, 2024 at 7:30 a.m.
Issued by: Peter Dragunas, Water Management Technician
Catfish Creek Conservation Authority
(519) 773-9037

This is a Water Safety, Watershed Conditions Statement indicating that high flows, unsafe banks, or other factors could be dangerous for any recreation around waterways, including children and pets. Flooding is not expected at this time.

Effective immediately, the Catfish Creek Conservation Authority (CCCA) is issuing a Water Safety, Watershed Conditions Statement for flood prone low-lying areas adjacent to watercourses within the Catfish Creek watershed and its tributaries.  At present stream, flow and water levels are at seasonal average within the Catfish Creek watershed.

Rainfall Warning in effect:

Significant rainfall is expected. The frozen ground has a reduced ability to absorb this rainfall. Rainfall amounts of 30 to 45 mm are possible.

Beginning this morning and ending tonight. A low-pressure system will bring rain, at times heavy, to the region today. Light showers may linger into Monday however; the majority of rainfall will fall through the day today.

There remains a probability that infiltration of the forecast rainfall may be limited in some areas due to frozen ground and the subsequent associated runoff has the potential to quickly elevate water levels within creeks of the watershed and some localized ponding in poorly drained areas is expected.

Creek and tributary water levels are expected to rise during this forecast.  Conditions of potentially higher water levels will result in unsafe channel bank conditions, along with other unpredictable dangers around waterways within the CCCA administrative area.  Children, pets and people intending to undertake any activities around watercourses need to abstain from these areas during these times of high water levels.

The public is encouraged to exercise extreme caution near all bodies of water, and to keep children and pets 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 functioning as intended during high water circumstances.

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.

At present this Water Safety, Watershed Conditions Statement will remain in effect until 8:00 a.m. Tuesday December 31.  Residents are asked to closely watch local conditions and take appropriate responsible action.  Updates will be made available when and if conditions warrant.