St. Angela Merici Catholic School

Flood Outlook: Watershed Condition Statement
Published on Apr 23, 2019 13:14

WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT

FLOOD OUTLOOK

The following statement was issued the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority:

Date:   April 23, 2019

Time:   10:50 a.m.

The Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority advises that warm weather and additional rainfall is forecast for this week. Daytime highs temperatures are expected to stay above +10 degrees. The five day weather forecast is predicting from 10-15 mm of precipitation with approximately 5 mm expected over Tuesday and into Wednesday.

Inland Watercourses

Ground conditions are generally no longer frozen; however, they are saturated from recent thaw and rain events and have a limited ability to absorb additional rain. Precipitation combined with already occurring watershed runoff will result in higher than normal water levels and flows in our rivers and streams, creating potentially hazardous conditions. The combination of slippery and unstable banks and cold water temperature will create hazardous conditions close to any river, stream or other water bodies.

While widespread flooding is not expected, the possibility for flooding in various low lying areas of the watershed exists due to the noted watershed conditions.

Lake Simcoe Water Level

The water level in Lake Simcoe is slightly higher than the average for this time of year and continues to trend upwards.  Levels are expected to rise due to high flows in the system and additional precipitation forecast for this week. With the warmer temperatures persisting into the week, ice out should continue.

There is the potential for flooding of low-lying lands adjacent to the lake.  The remaining ice on the lake will also pose additional threats to shoreline areas and adjacent structures, particularly if combined with strong winds.

A summary of recent Lake Simcoe water levels can be found below:

Water Safety

Please exercise extreme caution around all bodies of water and stay off all ice covered waterways. Please alert any children under your care of these dangerous conditions and supervise their activities. Please also keep pets away from the risk areas.

Residents in flood prone or low lying areas, historically susceptible to flooding, should take the necessary precautions to protect their property, such as:

• Ensuring sump pump is clear, in good working condition and has a backwater valve on it
• Portable backup generator and/or battery pump
• Ensuring downspouts are clear and the outlet is at least 3 m from the dwelling
• Removing or securing items that might float away as flows increase
• Removing valuable items from basements or lower floors that could be subject to flooding
• Keep emergency phone numbers handy
• Familiarize yourself with your municipality’s emergency preparedness plan

This Flood Outlook will be in effect through Friday April 26, 2019, or until otherwise updated.

For further information, please contact the following person at (905) 895-1281:

Renata Sadowska, P.Eng.

Duty Officer