NEWS RELEASE
GRAND RIVER CONSERVATION AUTHORITY
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The Grand River Conservation Authority is terminating the combined High Lake Erie Level Flood Warning and watershed-wide river flood watch. The riverine flood watch message is being replaced with a Watershed Conditions Statement. The Watershed Conditions Statement for Lake Erie remains in effect.
A strong weather system brought approximately 25 mm of rain, warm temperatures and damaging winds to the Grand River watershed yesterday. The high winds caused a significant storm surge event for Lake Erie. The level of Lake Erie peaked at 176.4 m at Port Colborne, which is the fourth highest level on record. The timing and magnitude of the peak were similar to the Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry (NDMNRF) forecast. The water level at Port Maitland peaked at a slightly lower value of 176.2 m.
Watershed conditions statement
Snowmelt and rainfall has resulted in elevated river and stream flows across the watershed, with minor flooding of low-lying areas near some watercourses. The major reservoirs at Belwood Lake, Conestogo Lake, Guelph Lake, Luther Marsh, Woolwich, Laurel Creek, and Shade’s Mills are being used to store runoff from this event, which will be released from these reservoirs over the coming week.
Stay safe
The public is advised to use extreme caution around all water bodies. Banks adjacent to rivers and creeks are very slippery at this time, and when combined with cold, fast moving water, pose a serious hazard. Parents are reminded to keep their children and pets away from all watercourses and water bodies.
More information
- For more information on flows, weather and reservoir conditions see the River Data section of the GRCA website.
- For more information on Lake Erie levels, see the Lake Erie page of the GRCA website.
- Safety information for parents and children is available in the GRCA’s River Safety Rules booklet.
- More information on the flood warning system is available on the GRCA website.
- Receive GRCA flood messages by e-mail by subscribing through the GRCA website.
- Follow GRCA flood messages on Twitter at grca_flood_msg.
- More information about how the GRCA manages floods is available in the Flooding section of the website.
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