WEST CARLETON — The Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority (MVCA) expects this weekend’s weather could increase flows in the area’s smaller rivers, creeks and ditches.

“Uncertain weather forecasts for the weekend could cause smaller rivers such as the Carp and Indian Rivers, as well as creeks and ditches, to see rapidly increasing flows over the weekend,” the MVCA released in a statement today (March 29). “Some forecasts are predicting heavy rainfall amounts on Saturday, which will add significant runoff to the snow melt that we are currently experiencing. Other forecasts are showing the precipitation coming in the form of snow and/or freezing rain, which will not have the same immediate impact. Depending on what type of precipitation occurs, flows along the larger rivers such as the Clyde, Fall and Mississippi will continue to increase steadily into next week.”

With increase flows and water temperature continuing to increase, ice conditions on lakes and rivers are deteriorating. Residents are strongly urged to stay off all ice-covered waterways.

“Parents are encouraged to remind their children about hypothermia and the dangers of playing on or near ice covered surfaces or fast flowing water in ditches and smaller creeks,” the MVCA said. “They are also reminded to keep their pets away from the same areas.”

The MVCA advises residents in flood prone or low lying areas, historically susceptible to flooding, should take the necessary precautions to protect their property, such as:

• Ensuring sump pump is clear, in good working condition and has a backwater valve on it
• Portable backup generator and pump
• Ensuring downspouts are clear and the outlet is at least 3 m from the dwelling
• Removing or securing items that might float away as flows increase
• Removing valuable items from basements or lower floors that could be subject to flooding
• Keep emergency phone numbers handy
• Familiarize yourself with your municipality’s emergency preparedness plan 

Daily water levels and flows are available on the MVCA website at www.mvc.on.ca. Updates to the watershed conditions will be issued as required. This watershed conditions statement is in effect until April 2 and will be updated at that time unless the forecast or conditions change.
The Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority flood forecasting and warning program staff monitors weather conditions, snowpack water content, operates to help mitigate flooding, estimates expected river flows and water levels and issues flood advisories or warnings as required.

The MVCA provides early warning and continuous monitoring to municipal and provincial emergency response personnel through a flood event.