Of all the waterways in the Grand River watershed, the Nith River may be most at risk for flooding this week.
Forecasters with the Grand River Conservation Authority had initially projected a low risk of flood due to daytime highs slightly above freezing and overnight lows just below zero.
The combination of temperatures now expected to reach as high as 11 C on Monday and expected rainfall overnight has the GRCA warning that snow will melt quicker than expected.
As a result, water levels are expected to start rising in some areas Monday night, with the higher flows lasting into Wednesday.
High water levels are expected along the length of the Nith, with ice jams possible in New Hamburg, Plattsville, Ayr and Wolverton.
Northern parts of the Grand watershed are less at risk due to deeper snow packs, although the potential exists for ice jams in Grand Valley and West Montrose.
Downstream of Brantford, the GRCA doesn’t expect enough rain to fall to move the ice that continues to cover much of the watershed.
As of Monday afternoon, flooding potential had yet to reach the point where the GRCA would issue a flood warning.
Parents are being reminded to keep children and pets away from slippery banks, unstable ice and cold water during March Break.
