KITCHENER -- Hardened, compressed snow and ice in local waterways has created increased conditions for flooding along the Grand River watershed.
According to the Grand River Conservation Authority, the flood risk this spring is considered high because of these factors, which have lingered since mid-December.
Although January started relatively mild, a cold February filled with above-average precipitation has resulted in a snowpack with higher-than-average water content.
Meteorological spring begins March 1, and with the change of the season comes the melt.
“Part of the reason is that we do have a considerable snowpack, and the water content in that snowpack is quite considerable,” said Cam Linwood, Communications Manager with the Grand River Conservation Authority. "This is due in part to not seeing the typical January melt."
The conservation authority also notes that there are unsafe ice conditions, adding that, although these conditions are less significant than 2018 or 2019, the possibility of ice jam-related flooding is still a possibility.
Environment Canada is also predicting warmer-than-normal temperatures for the watershed over the next three months and normal precipitation, which could contribute to increased risk of flooding.
According to Rob Kuhn, a severe weather meteorologist, we are now running higher than average.
“I’d say within normal limits, but we're about 20 cm more than average so far if you include the totals to the end of February," he said.
With more people exploring the outdoors as a COVID-19-safe activity, Linwood wants the flood outlook also serves a reminder to keep your distance from streams and rivers.
According to the Grand River Conservation Authority, while ice conditions are significantly less than they were in the past two years, there is still a very real risk for ice jam related flooding.
“We have seen ice building over the past month, so we want people to be aware that in areas where ice can jam up there is that potential,” said Linwood.
Communities at an increased risk include West Montrose, Cambridge, New Hamburg, and Brantford.
In Wilmot Township, there has been an application to fund back water prevention valves for the sewage systems.
"That funding is at federal level waiting to be rubber stamped and say ok go right ahead with that. so we will hopefully be able to get that started this spring,” said Mayor Les Armstrong.
According to Environment Canada, the extended long range forecast is trending towards double digits, but a spring snow storm isn't out of the question making now the time to ensure your home is prepared.
The GRCA said that reservoirs are at their normal level for this time of year, but they're monitoring them closely.
More information on flooding in the Grand River Watershed, including a flood warning system, can be found here.
