Lower Trent Conservation advises municipalities and the public that a Flood Outlook Statement has been issued for the local creeks within Lower Trent Watershed region (area stretching for Grafton to Quinte West and from Lake Ontario to Rice Lake) and for the Trent River (Hastings to Trenton). It is important to note that during this time high water levels unsafe banks or other factors could be dangerous for recreational users such as anglers, canoeists, hikers, children, pets, etc. Nuisance flooding for some may occur.
Water levels along our local creeks and streams and the Trent River are average for this time of year. However, weather forecasts for tonight and the weekend are indicating extreme cold temperatures with wind chill temperatures in the range of -30 to -35 °Celsius. These forecasted temperatures are across parts of central and eastern Ontario beginning Friday and persisting into Sunday before returning to within normal range on Monday.
Frazil ice is an ice formation that occurs when there is a lack of ice cover and exposure of the water surface to cold temperatures and/or wind chills below -18 °Celsius. These conditions trigger the formation of frazil ice which can accumulate quickly on bridge abutments, piers and riverbanks and block the flow of water.
Residents living along any flowing water bodies should pay careful attention to water levels as the accumulation of frazil ice may result in frazil ice jamming and rapid unpredictable increases in water levels. Fluctuating water levels could be experienced during these extreme weather conditions.
While the potential dangers presented by rivers, small streams and open ditches never cease to exist, they are of particular concern during extreme cold conditions or during the spring freshet. Water currents could be strong and temperatures dangerously cold. Parents and caregivers are advised to keep children and pets away from all waterways. Areas around dams, culverts and bridges should be avoided at all times.
Lower Trent Conservation monitors water levels and weather forecasts closely as part of its flood forecasting and warning program. Daily water level updates are available at www.LTC.on.ca. If you have concerns about water levels, please contact Lower Trent Conservation at (613) 394-4829.
This Flood Outlook Statement for local creeks and streams and the Trent River will be in effect until Monday, February 1, 2021.
(Lower Trent Conservation Press Release)
