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 January 23, 2024 at 9:00 a.m.
Issued by: Peter Dragunas, Water Management Technician
Catfish Creek Conservation Authority
(519) 773-9037 ext. 19

This is a Water Safety, Watershed Conditions Statement indicating that higher than normal creek flows, possible unsafe bank conditions, 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 riverine overbank flow prone, low-lying areas adjacent to watercourses within the Catfish Creek watershed and its tributaries.  At present stream flow and water levels are below the seasonal average within the Catfish Creek watershed.

The forecast is for a mix of precipitation, which may be heavy at times. The rain and snow mix coupled with present snow water equivalency has the potential for 60mm of runoff.  The watershed is approaching soil saturation in the heavier clayed regions, which in turn have a natural inherent characteristic for a reduced capacity to absorb the total forecast water equivalency.

There remains a probability that infiltration of the forecast precipitation may be limited in most areas (probable frozen soils) and the subsequent associated rain on snow (60mm equivalency) surface runoff has the potential to quickly elevate water levels within the watershed.

Creek and tributary water levels are expected to increase during this forecast.  These anticipated conditions along with evidence of some existing riverine ice cover, conditions exist for higher water levels resulting in unsafe bank conditions, and unpredictable dangers around waterways. Forecast winds are from the Southeast to Southwest quadrants, which may well blow additional Lake Erie ice into the Port Bruce harbour mouth thereby acting as a possible restriction for riverine high water flows and ice migration to Lake Erie.  Children, pets and people intending to undertake any recreational activities around watercourses need to abstain from these areas during this time.

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 conditions.

CCCA will continue to monitor watershed conditions and will issue updates and recommendations as necessary.

At present this Water Safety, Watershed Conditions Statement will remain in effect until 8:00 a.m. Monday January 29.  Residents are asked to closely watch local conditions and take appropriate responsible action.  Updates will be made available when and if conditions warrant.