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 12, 2023 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, or other factors could be dangerous for any recreation around waterways, children and pets. 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 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.

Rain heavy at times beginning Thursday afternoon then changing to snow Thursday night.  Light showers and drizzle will give way to rain, heavy at times, Thursday afternoon and then change to snow after midnight Thursday. The partially frozen ground may have a reduced ability to absorb this rainfall. A few centimetres of snow can be expected by Friday morning. Considerable uncertainty remains regarding the track of the Colorado low responsible for this rainfall. Should the track of this low change, rainfall amounts could also vary.

There remains a probability that infiltration of the forecast rainfall may be limited in some areas and the subsequent associated runoff has the potential to quickly elevate water levels within the watershed with some localized ponding in poorly drained areas is expected.  Water levels are expected to rise and will remain elevated during the latter part of this week.  Due to these increased adverse weather conditions, the potential for higher water will result in unsafe channel bank conditions and other unpredictable dangers around waterways within the Catfish Creek watershed.  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 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 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.

This Watershed Conditions Statement will remain in effect until noon Friday January 13^th  .  Residents are asked to closely watch local conditions and take appropriate responsible action.  Updates will be made available when and if conditions warrant.