Flood alert - that snow is going to melt at some point - keep the kids away from the creeks

By Staff

January 24th, 2024

BURLINGTON, ON

Water levels in watershed creeks will rise significantly during the weekend. Caution around the edges of creeks – especially with children.

Snow eventually melts and that water works its way south through the creeks and ravines of the city.

Conservation Halton has issued a media release – it follows.

Conservation Halton advises that Environment Canada and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry’s (MNRF) Surface Water Monitoring Centre (SWMC) are forecasting up to 25mm of rain starting today into Friday afternoon. Daytime high temperatures around 5°C are also expected over the same period. In addition to the forecasted rainfall, melting snow and frozen ground conditions will increase runoff and contribute to elevated water levels in rivers and streams within our jurisdiction.

Widespread flooding is not anticipated, however, fast flowing water and flooding of low-lying areas, natural floodplains, and areas with poor drainage may be expected, along with localized ice break-up.

Conservation Halton is asking all residents and children to keep a safe distance from all watercourses and structures such as bridges, culverts, and dams. Any ice-covered bodies of water are considered unsafe. Elevated water levels, fast flowing water, and cold water temperatures, combined with slippery conditions along stream banks continue to make these locations extremely dangerous. Please alert children in your care of these imminent dangers. 

Grindstone Creek further west is also part of the watershed network that is constantly monitored.

 Conservation Halton will continue to monitor stream and weather conditions and will issue an update to this Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety message as conditions warrant.

This Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety will be in effect through Saturday January 27, 2024. 

For further information or questions regarding this message contact: