Message Number: 2022-02 Issued on: November 29, 2022 Issued by: John Bittorf, Water Resources Coordinator To: Watershed Municipalities and Watershed Media
Message:
On Wednesday, a low-pressure system is forecast to move across the Great Lakes region. Strong west winds are expected to develop early Wednesday morning and are forecasted to peak overnight and into Thursday morning. Maximum sustained wind speeds of 40-50 km per hour with gusts up to 80 km per hour are expected. Offshore waves may exceed 3m in height.
Fortunately, water levels for Lake Huron have returned to near average conditions but there may still be a risk of shoreline erosion and near-shore flooding. The areas most affected within the Grey Sauble Watershed will be the western shorelines along Lake Huron.
This message will remain in effect until 12:00 pm on Friday December 2nd, unless local conditions warrant further updates. The Grey Sauble Conservation Authority (GSCA) will continue to monitor conditions and will provide an update if required.
Message Number: 2022-01 Issued on: March 16, 2022 (1:30pm) Issued by: John Bittorf, Water Resources Coordinator To: Watershed Municipalities and Watershed Media
Message:
With the forecasted warmer weather and potential for rain this weekend, the existing snowpack will be significantly reduced. Snow cover (water content) is highly variable throughout our watersheds with some areas having up to 12.5 cm (5”) of water content. The majority of the watersheds are between 5 cm (2”) and 7.5 cm (3”).
As the snow begins to melt, soils become saturated under the snow and additional snow melt will quickly run off into ditches, streams and rivers. Flows will increase and may reach average/normal spring runoff levels later this week. Although unusual flooding is not expected at this time, seasonal flooding of low-lying areas will likely occur.
There is a concern regarding the potential for ice jams. We are still noting some ice cover throughout our watersheds. The increase in water levels will likely mobilize the ice sheets and they may cause jamming and localized flooding.
Grey Sauble Conservation Authority would like to remind everyone that during spring runoff events, potential conditions exist that could pose a risk to personal safety. High flows, unsafe banks, melting ice or other factors could be dangerous for residents and pets. Stay back from riverbanks and away from fast moving water.
Grey Sauble staff will continue to monitor the weather and the flows and provide additional updates as needed. Watershed residents can access snow, stream flow and rain gauge data through our Watershed Conditions page on our website: https://www.greysauble.on.ca/water-management/current-watershed-conditions/.
This Statement expires March 20th, 2022 at 12pm unless replaced by further updates.
Message Number: 2021-03 Issued on: December 10, 2021 (11:00am) Issued by: John Bittorf, Water Resources Coordinator To: Watershed Municipalities and Watershed Media
Message:
A Special Weather Statement has been issued by Environment Canada due to a strong cold front moving through Southern Ontario bringing rain and strong winds. Strong and gusty southwesterly winds are possible Saturday afternoon with gusts up to 70 to 90 km/h. Winds will change to westerly direction later Saturday afternoon, with waves estimated to build up to 4 metres by 6:00pm along the Lake Huron shoreline. Lake Huron water levels have dropped below record highs, but wave uprush and possible flooding of low-lying areas may be expected.
Rainfall amounts of 20-30 mm are anticipated on Saturday, along with higher temperatures, resulting in significant snow melt. Stream and river flows are expected to rise throughout the day on Saturday but are not expected to cause unusual flooding. Flooding may occur in low lying areas that typically flood seasonally.
Grey Sauble Conservation Authority would like to remind everyone that during storm events, potential conditions exist that could pose a risk to personal safety. Residents are reminded to stay well back from shorelines. Municipal staff are recommended to monitor problem areas into Sunday morning.
Grey Sauble staff will continue to monitor the weather and the flows and provide additional updates as needed. Watershed residents can access snow, stream flow and rain gauge data through our Watershed Conditions page on our website (http://www.greysauble.on.ca/water-management/current-watershedconditions/).
This Statement expires at 5:00pm on Sunday December 12, 2021 at 12:00pm unless replaced by further updates.
Staff are working in a combination or in-office and remote situations. Please utilize email as the most reliable way to reach our staff. A full staff directory is available on our website.
***PLANNING AND PERMITS SERVICE INTERRUPTION ADVISORY***
Please note that we are currently operating at a temporarily reduced capacity while also experiencing a high number of applications and inquiries to our Environmental Planning Department at this time. Please use our contact form only for inquiries related to planning and development permits. Inquiries must include all requested information for a response by a planning staff member.
