Information posted April 12, 2013
The following is provided for the interest Halton Chapter members by kind permission of Conservation Halton. This information is contained in their latest Word on the Watershed newsletter.
The storm that hit Southern Ontario yesterday had very different impacts, depending on which part of the area you live. Generally areas in the northern part of the Conservation Halton watershed received more freezing rain than the southern areas, which received rain.
There has been some impact on Conservation Halton’s parks as a result. Today, Friday, April 12, five of the six conservation areas were closed as the trails were icy and unsafe (fallen trees and branches). Here is an overview of the six parks.
- Crawford Lake, Hilton Falls, Mountsberg and Rattlesnake Point Conservation Areas all did not have power on Friday, April 12.
- Mt. Nemo Conservation Area is closed for the weekend, April 12 to 14
- Kelso Conservation Area is open
It is anticipated that Crawford Lake, Hilton Falls, Mountsberg and Rattlesnake Point will re-open on Saturday, unless power is not restored. If you are planning on visiting one of these parks, you may wish to check before heading out.
When there is a service disruption to a Conservation Halton program or service it will be posted on the Service Disruptions section on the front page of our website.
Take care around creeks and streams
There is currently a Flood Watch in effect in the Conservation Halton watershed through Friday evening. A Flood Watch means flooding is possible in specific watercourses or municipalities.
Conservation Halton originally issued a Watershed Conditions Statement – Flood Outlook on Tuesday, April 9 at 2:30 p.m., and upgraded it to a Flood Watch at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, April 10.
Conservation Halton advises that to this point the watershed has received approximately 20 to 30mm of rainfall over the past 24 hours with peak rainfall intensities occurring early Friday morning. Total rainfall across our watersheds since Monday ranges from 60mm to 85mm, which is typically a month’s worth of rain.
While the rainfall has largely passed, the mid and upper areas of our watersheds, which had experienced frozen precipitation, will continue to contribute to the runoff and streamflow as temperatures rise and the precipitation begins to melt.
Conservation Halton continues to advise all residents and children to stay away from all watercourses and structures such as bridges, culverts and dams throughout this weekend. Elevated water levels, fast flowing water, and slippery conditions along stream banks continue to make these locations extremely dangerous. Please alert children in your care of these imminent dangers.
