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

Issued on November 10, 2022 at 12:45 p.m.

This is a Water Safety, Watershed Conditions Statement.

There may be increased riverine flows, unsafe banks, or other factors, which may be dangerous for users such as anglers, boaters, children or pets. Extensive flooding is not expected at this time.

The weather in southern Ontario is forecast to change with remnants of Tropical Storm Nicole set to hit the region. By Friday afternoon, it is expected to be very wet.  The storm is forecast to swing north toward the Canadian border. By the time it nears Ontario, Nicole will be deemed post-tropical.  Heavy rain will spread well north of the low’s track, and as far north and west as Lake Erie and Lake Ontario. The Canadian Hurricane Centre says that, in the hardest hit areas, rainfall amounts could be in the 50 – 100 mm range.

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 seasonal average within the Catfish Creek watershed.  A heavy rainfall and subsequent resulting runoff has the potential to elevate water levels within the Catfish Creek watershed.  No major flooding is expected at this time but water levels may be higher than average during this period.  There is a possibility that higher water flows may produce 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 extreme 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.

This Watershed Conditions Statement will expire at 6:00pm on Saturday November 12 or adjusted accordingly if warranted.