Please click here to view the most recent watershed conditions message from the Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority: http://mvc.on.ca/watershed-conditions-message/

This is a message sent to the MPOA from the Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority (MVCA):

January 20, 2020 — High Water Levels and Flows Will Continue into February

As the January rain moves through the system, higher than average water levels and flows will continue across the Mississippi River watershed.  Based on current forecasts, no flooding is expected and lake levels should continue to decrease.  The Crotch Lake reservoir is 35 cm above its upper target for this time of year.  As the excess water is released, flows downstream of Crotch Lake will remain high for the balance of the winter.
 
At this time there is a risk of ice jamming and/or frazil ice increasing river levels.  Air temperatures below -8°C can result in frazil ice formations in open flowing water.  Similarly, high flows can dislodge ice sheets creating jams.  Both result in water levels rising quickly, without warning. 
 
Residents are advised to maintain a close watch on levels and flows and take the necessary precautions to protect their property by:

• Regularly testing and maintaining sump pumps and backwater valves.
• Removing or securing items that might float away if levels increase.

 Additionally, ice thickness can change drastically due to high flows.  The shoreline adjacent to lakes, rivers and creeks is very slippery and poses a serious hazard.  Falling into open water can result in hypothermia or drowning.
 
The Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority (MVCA) reminds the public to exercise extreme caution around all water bodies by:

• Regularly testing ice thickness and staying off all ice that may cover flowing water.
• Remind children about the dangers of playing on or near ice covered surfaces and open water.
• Keep pets on leash near frozen water bodies.

Please note that the MVCA does not monitor ice conditions.
 
This message will be in effect until (or updated before) Monday February 10, 2020 at 4:30 pm.  

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January 13, 2020 —Significant Rains Increase Flows and Raise Lake Levels

The Mississippi River watershed received significant rainfall over the weekend.  Gauges in the upper watershed recorded between 80 and 105 mm while 50-90 mm were recorded in the lower watershed.  As a result, flows have increased significantly and ice stability has been compromised across the watershed.  Flows are expected to peak in 24-48 hours. 
 
Since the Crotch Lake reservoir is at capacity, there is no storage available to reduce flows downstream.  This has caused Dalhousie Lake to rise 30 cm and an additional 20-30 cm increase is still expected.  To mitigate flooding on Dalhousie Lake, upper watershed dams are not being operated at this time.
 
Lakes upstream of Crotch Lake are expected to rise a total of 10-20 cm with no significant flooding.  
 
The Carp River flows have peaked and are expected to continue to decline throughout the week.
 
At this time there is a risk of ice jams or frazil ice increasing river levels.  Air temperatures below -8°C can result in frazil ice formations in open flowing water.  Similarly, high flows can dislodge ice sheets creating jams.  Both can cause water levels to rise quickly, without warning. 
 
Residents are advised to maintain a close watch on levels and flows and take the necessary precautions to protect their property by:

• Ensuring sump pumps are clear and in good working condition
• Removing or securing items that might float away as flows increase.

Additionally, ice thickness can change drastically due to high flows.  The shoreline adjacent to lakes, rivers and creeks is very slippery and poses a serious hazard.  Falling into open water can result in hypothermia or drowning.

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The Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority (MVCA) reminds the public to exercise extreme caution around all water bodies:

• The public and pets should stay off all frozen water bodies.
• Parents are urged to remind children about the dangers of playing on or near ice covered surfaces and open water.

Please note that the MVCA does not monitor ice conditions.  The MVCA's Flood Forecasting and Warning team will continue monitoring weather, snowpack, water level and flow conditions and issue updates as required.
 
This message will be in effect until (or updated before) Monday January 20, 2020 at 4:30 pm.  Please visit the MVCA's website for more information on:

• Water levels and flow data: mvc.on.ca/water-levels
• Watershed Conditions Messages: mvc.on.ca/watershed-conditions-message.

Contact: Christopher McGuire, P.Eng
Water Resources Engineer
613-253-0006 ext. 270
cmcguire@mvc.on.ca   www.mvc.on.ca