A Water Safety Statement has been issued by Lower Trent Conservation for Alnwick/Haldimand, Brighton, Centre Hastings, Cramahe, Quinte West, Stirling-Rawdon, Trent Hills, Northumberland and Hastings Counties.
A Water Safety Statement is issued during high flows, unsafe banks, melting ice or other factors that could be dangerous for recreational users such as anglers, canoeists, hikers, children, pets, etc. Nuisance flooding for some may occur.
A significant weather system is forecast to move into the region later this weekend. Rain and above seasonal temperatures are anticipated through Saturday and Sunday.
Runoff from the rain combined with the snow melt could result in increased flows on small creeks and streams across the watershed region, including Mayhew, Cold, Rawdon, Mill, Trout, Butler, Salt, Colborne, and Shelter Valley Creeks.
Water levels are expected to remain stable for the Trent River. Ice break-up on the local creeks could also result in ice jamming and cause further flood concerns.
The Trent River and the Bay of Quinte, however, remain primarily ice covered and should be considered extremely unsafe.
The public is further cautioned that fast moving water, cold water temperatures, and unstable stream banks will create additional hazards. Areas around dams, culverts and bridges should be avoided at all times.
Parents and caregivers are advised to keep children and pets away from all waterways. This Watershed Safety Statement will be in effect until (or updated before) Tuesday,February 26, 2019.
Anyone having concerns about water levels can call Lower Trent Conservation at (613) 394-4829.
