High flood risk along Waterloo region waterways this spring, says GRCA

The risk of flooding along the Grand River and throughout the area is high this spring because of an above average amount of snow in the region, the Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) says.

In a watershed condition statement issued Friday, the GRCA said the snowbanks and drifts along the river have a higher than normal water content. If it all melts at once, it could cause significant runoff and even flooding.

The release says the flood risk is increased if rainfall accompanies the rapid snow melt.

Environment Canada's forecast for Waterloo region says there's the potential of rain on both Tuesday and Wednesday and daytime temperatures are expected to be above freezing until Thursday.

The GRCA says natural dams created by ice jams also increase the flood risk.

"While ice conditions this year are less significant than they were in in 2018 and 2019, much of the river system is ice covered and the potential for ice jams to form exists," the GRCA's statement said.

"This further increases the risk of flooding in areas prone to ice jams. Lake Erie is mostly ice covered, increasing the risk of ice jam related flooding at the mouth of the Grand River."

Be safe near water

Reservoirs along the Grand River are at normal operating levels, the GRCA said, and will be used to reduce downstream flooding.

The GRCA warned people to prepare for the potential of rising waters this spring and reminded them to sign up for alerts from their municipalities.

People should also be careful near waterways. That's a similar message to one issued by Ontario Provincial Police last week. Sgt. Ed Sanchuk of West Region reminded people to stay off ice now that the temperatures are warming up.

"Put your safety as a priority if you happen to venture out. We don't want anyone near any type of river, streams or creeks. Obviously they're very unpredictable and if you're ice skating on ponds, rivers or streams, they're going to be extremely unstable with the warm weather conditions," Sanchuk said in a video posted to X, formerly Twitter.

"Do not venture out into the water or near the embankments. They become extremely slippery. You could fall in and again, depending on the kind of that water, depending on how cold that water is, you're going to be doing a self rescue."

Information of flood warning systems and updates to river flows, weather and reservoir conditions can be found at the GRCA's website.

The flood outlook is expected to remain in effect until Mar. 31.