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 February 23, 2021, at 8:00 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, melting ice, or other factors are possible and could be dangerous for users such as anglers, boaters, swimmers, children, or pets. Flooding is not expected.

 

The forecast is for a warming trend with daytime temperatures in the positive single digits with some mixed precipitation for the remainder of the week.

 

Effective immediately, the Catfish Creek Conservation Authority 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 streamflow and water levels are below average but are trending up within the Catfish Creek watershed.  The snowpack water equivalency is estimated at approximately 25mm the ground is frozen in some areas of the watershed which may have limited ability to absorb any excess rainfall that is forecast. As a result, infiltration of the forecast rainfall may be limited and runoff has the potential to keep water levels trending upward within the watershed.  No major flooding is expected at this time but water levels may rise above the seasonal average and may continue to remain higher during this forecast period.  Due to these increased adverse weather conditions, there is a potential for higher water flows and accompanied ice fracture resulting in unsafe channel bank conditions and other unpredictable dangers around waterways within the Catfish Creek watershed.  Anglers, boaters, children, pets, and people intending to undertake any recreational activities around watercourses need to abstain from these areas during these conditions.

 

The public is encouraged to exercise extreme caution around all creeks and waterways and to keep children away from these hazardous areas 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 situations.

 

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 Watershed Conditions Statement has no expiry date and will remain in effect until the hazard has passed or adjusted accordingly if warranted.