WEST CARLETON — The Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority says the potential for above average spring flooding remains high.

“Flows continue to increase steadily across the Mississippi River watershed and that trend is expected to continue,” the MVCA released in a statement yesterday (April 2). “Warmer weather is forecasted for the weekend which could cause levels and flows to quickly increase. While flows in the Carp River will likely increase slightly over the next few days as the remainder of the snow enters the system, levels are expected to be below those experienced in 2017. No significant flooding is expected over the next four days along the main stem of the Mississippi, Clyde, Fall or Indian Rivers.”

There is still a considerable amount of water in the snow pack across the watershed with an average of about 104 millimetres of water content still on the ground. The western snow courses have an average of 174 mm and the central part of the watershed having about 85 mm. The historical norm for April 1 is approximately 40 mm.

“The three-day forecast of single digit daytime highs and below zero nighttime lows will help deplete the snowpack in a steady fashion,” the MVCA said. “However, any increase to forecasted temperatures or rainfall could cause levels to increase more rapidly. With ice conditions 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. They are also reminded to keep their pets away from the same areas.

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 5 and will be updated at that time unless the forecast or conditions change.