For Immediate Release                                                                                 

Water Safety, Watershed Condition Statement for Residents of Catfish Creek Watershed
Issued on February 9, 2023 at 9:20 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 could be dangerous for users such as anglers, boaters, swimmers, children or pets. Flooding is not expected.

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 stream flow and water levels are increasing within the Catfish Creek watershed.  The remaining snowpack is saturated and will not absorb the forecast precipitation (15 to 25 mm).  The ground is frozen in some areas and has a limited ability to absorb any rainfall/snowmelt that is forecast on Thursday through to Friday.

As a result, infiltration of the forecast snowmelt/rainfall will be limited and the subsequent runoff has the potential to quickly elevate water levels within the watershed.  Water levels are expected to rise and will remain elevated during the latter part of this week.

Due to these increased adverse weather conditions there is a potential for higher water and ice flows 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 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 functioning 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 Conditions Statement will remain in effect until Monday February 13 12:00 p.m. and will be adjusted accordingly if warranted.  Residents are asked to closely watch local conditions and take appropriate responsible action.  Updates will be made available when and if conditions warrant.