Category Archives: Credit Valley Conservation

Credit Valley Conservation, Port Credit

Spring Safety Message: Be Careful Near Waterways

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Hazardous conditions on and around bodies of water

Credit Valley Conservation reminds residents there are dangers near all waterways and bodies of water this time of year. They urge people to keep family and pets away from any water’s edge.

While the Credit River watershed received a typical amount of snow this winter, warmer temperatures and heavy rainfall in January and February has caused early snowmelt. As a result, the ground is saturated in many places. In periods of intense rain, there could be a higher amount of runoff in much shorter times than usual. Also, slippery, unstable streambanks and extremely cold water can lead to very hazardous conditions close to any body of water.

Be safe this spring and remember these tips:

  • Keep family and pets away from all bodies of water
  • Avoid all recreational activities in or around water
  • Where you can, move objects such as chairs or benches away from the water’s edge and carefully secure all watercraft to avoid losing them during the spring high water

About Credit Valley Conservation’s Flood Forecasting and Warning Program

Credit Valley Conservation operates a flood forecasting and warning program to reduce loss of life and risk of property damage from flooding.

When flooding is possible or about to occur, Credit Valley Conservation issues flood messages to municipal emergency management officials, emergency medical services, school boards, police and the media. Municipal officials then take action to warn local residents and respond in emergency situations.

Track water levels, precipitation and other environmental conditions in the Credit River watershed in real-time.

Credit Valley Conservation (CVC) is a local conservation authority established by the Ontario government in 1954 to protect, restore and enhance the natural environment of the Credit River Watershed. Our watershed is defined by the area of land where all rainfall, snowmelt and runoff drain into lands and waters flowing into the Credit River. CVC creates connections between people and nature, knowledge and action. We inspire a deep appreciation for the role of nature in keeping people connected, healthy and happy. CVC is a member of Conservation Ontario.

Credit Valley Conservation, Port Credit

Flood Outlook Statement from CVC

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A Low Pressure System is expected to move into Southern Ontario over the weekend.  The current forecast is estimating that 50 to 75 mm of precipitation may fall by Sunday.  Temperatures are expected to remain below freezing until Friday then transitioning to above freezing temperatures and returning to below freezing by Sunday. The majority of the precipitation is expected to be rain with potential periods of freezing rain and ice pellets when the temperatures are near the freezing mark. 

The precipitation, melting of the snow and frozen ground conditions could generate high runoff along all watercourses in the area. Flooding along the Credit River and its major tributaries may occur.

High wind conditions may occur on Sunday as the system moves out of the Southern Ontario.  Depending on wind and wave directions, flooding and erosion conditions may occur along the shorelines of Lake Ontario.      

As a result, local streams, rivers, and shorelines could become dangerous, especially in the vicinity of culverts, bridges and dams. The public should be warned to stay away from all watercourses, especially children and pets.

CVC will continue to closely monitor weather and water levels in the watershed. The Watershed Conditions Statement for Flood Outlook will be in effect through Mon-Jan-13-2020, or until further notice.

To view current watershed conditions, please visit our real-time monitoring website:  https://cvc.ca/watershed-science/watershed-monitoring/real-time-monitoring/

Credit Valley Conservation, Marine, Port Credit

LAKE ONTARIO HAZARD WATCH

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A Gale (Wind) Warning is in effect as posted by Environment Canada for Western Lake Ontario Marine Forecast.  Winds east 35 knots (65 km/hr) diminishing to east 25 (45) this eveningthen backing to northeast 25 late overnight. Wind diminishing to north 15 (28) Monday afternoon. Waves 3 metres subsiding to 2 near midnight and to one near noon Monday.

A new DAILY peak for Lake Ontario was set at 75.92 metres above International Great Lakes Datum (m IGLD) on Jun-06-2019. Flood damages in 2017 occurred at a threshold elevation of 75.45 m when waves generated during a storm event overtopped and damaged several shoreline structures.  The local damage threshold elevation does not account for wave generated by winds which can increase flood elevations and cause additional damages; this is especially true with onshore winds associated with storms. The current combination of the storm surge and wave heights could approach or exceed 76 m IGLD. 

Watercourses discharging directly into Lake Ontario may be impacted by backwater from the lake.  Residents and visitors to the Lake Ontario shoreline areas should use extreme caution and obey all closure notices for trails and pathways.  As lake levels increase, certain areas may be cut off or isolated.

CVC will continue to monitor weather and lake conditions.  This Lake Ontario Shoreline Hazard Watch will be in effect until Mon-Dec-02-2019 at 4 pm or updated prior to.  

For more information on this Lake Ontario Hazard Watch, contact CVC during office hours at 905- 670-1615. 

Credit Valley Conservation, Port Credit

Flood Outlook Statement

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Credit Valley Conservation advises that Environment Canada is forecasting the potential for significant rainfall, starting today through to Friday morning from a low-pressure system approaching from the southwest. Accumulated rainfall amounts of up to 50 millimetres are possible, with the heaviest rain occurring on Thursday afternoon. 

While flooding of the Credit River and its major tributaries is not expected, rainfall associated with this system may result in flooding of low laying and urban areas.

Localized flooding may occur on roadways where leaf litter blocks storm drains. Some watersheds may respond with higher flows and water levels.  As a result, local streams and rivers could become dangerous, especially in the vicinity of culverts, bridges and dams. 

Children should be warned about the dangers and pets kept away from watercourses.  

CVC will continue to closely monitor weather and water levels in the watershed. The Watershed Conditions Statement for Flood Outlook will be in effect through Saturday November 2, 2019, or until further notice. To view current watershed conditions, please visit our real-time monitoring website:  https://cvc.ca/watershed-science/watershed-monitoring/real-time-monitoring/

Credit Valley Conservation

Watershed Conditions Statement

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Credit Valley Conservation is advising that Environment Canada is forecasting a weather system that will bring significant precipitation into the watershed this weekend, beginning Saturday night, into late Sunday morning. Total rainfall accumulation of approximately 30 to 50 millimetres is expected for the duration of this system.

While flooding of the Credit River and its major tributaries is not expected, rainfall associated with this system may result in flooding of small headwater and urban areas. Localized flooding may occur on roadways where leaf litter blocks storm drains. Some watersheds may respond with higher flows and water levels.  As a result, local streams and rivers could become dangerous, especially in the vicinity of culverts, bridges and dams.  Children should be warned of the inherent dangers and pets should be kept away from watercourses. 

CVC will continue to closely monitor weather and water levels in the watershed.  This Watershed Conditions Statement for Flood Outlook will be in effect through to Monday October 28th, 2019, or until further notice. 

To view current watershed conditions, please visit our real-time monitoring website:  https://cvc.ca/watershed-science/watershed-monitoring/real-time-monitoring/

NOTE:     A Flood Outlook Statement is issued as an early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecast of heavy rain, snow melt, high wind or other conditions that could lead to high runoff, ice jams, shoreline flooding or erosion.

Note to Public:  CVC’s role during a flooding event is to monitor current watershed conditions and weather forecasts, predict river and creek conditions, and communicate our findings to the public, municipalities and media.  For more information about this message please call CVC between 8:30 and 4:30 (Monday to Friday) at 905-670-1615 and ask for the Flood Duty Officer.  If you are concerned about high water levels in your area, please contact your municipality. For emergencies requiring police, fire or ambulance, call 9-1-1.