With spring inching closer, Conservation Halton is reminding residents of the dangers of rising waterways.
Streams, rivers, ponds, and lakes around this time of year pose unique threats. CH says that while the local watersheds experienced a relatively dry start to the winter season, we have since seen a sharp increase in rain and snowfall. Colder air temperatures in January and February have also resulted in the formation of river ice in local watercourses as well as a large amount of snowpack. Daytime high air temperatures have already begun trending above zero degrees Celsius, which will contribute to the gradual decrease of the snowpack amount and current river ice cover.
The Manager of Flood Forecasting and Operations for Conservation Halton, Glenn Farmer, says residents should remain on the alert.
“While Conservation Halton has always encouraged everyone to get outside and has been pleased to see the amount of community interest in exploring the outdoors during the ongoing pandemic, it is important that residents are aware of the dangers that exist around water, especially as we approach spring.”
Be safe this spring and remember the following tips:
- Keep family and pets away from the edges of all bodies of water;
- Avoid all recreational activities in or around water, especially near ice jams or ice-covered watercourses and waterbodies—including municipally managed stormwater ponds;
- Do not attempt to walk on ice-covered waterbodies or drive through flooded roads or fast-moving water;
- If you live close to the water, move objects such as chairs or benches away from the water’s edge to avoid losing them during potential spring high water;
- Avoid walking close to and across riverbanks and ice-covered water to prevent falling through.
For more information, contact Conservation Halton at (905) 336-1158.
