For Immediate Release

Water Safety, Watershed Condition Statement for Residents of Catfish Creek Watershed

Issued on March 4, 2019 at 10:45 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 below average within the Catfish Creek watershed.  The remaining snow and ponding of ice in low lying areas may not absorb the combined forecast precipitation and ponded water in the fields.  The ground remains frozen in some north facing slopes and shaded areas and has a limited ability to absorb any rainfall/melt that is forecast over the next few days. As a result, infiltration of the forecast melt/rainfall may be limited and runoff has the potential to quickly elevate water levels within the watershed.  Water levels are expected to rise and may continue to remain elevated into the weekend and first of next week.  Due to these forecast weather conditions there is a potential for higher water resulting in slippery and 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 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 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 on Monday March 7th and will be adjusted accordingly if warranted or expire.  Residents are asked to closely watch local conditions and take appropriate responsible action.  Updates will be made available when and if conditions warrant.