Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority Flood Watch Update #1 - Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority

Apr 14, 2019

by MVCA

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Re: FLOOD WATCH Update # 1 –Lower Mississippi River

Rainfall forecasts could increase levels 25–35 cm on Dalhousie Lake by end of week

April 14, 2019 — The Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority is issuing an update to the FLOOD WATCH issued for Dalhousie Lake on April 12.

The warmer temperatures experienced yesterday, coupled with rain in the forecast for today of close to 40 mm and more expected later in the week could raise levels on Dalhousie Lake 25–35 cm. This would bring levels close to those experienced last year.

Flows on the Clyde, Fall, Indian and Carp Rivers have increased steadily over the weekend and are expected to increase significantly over the next 4 days. Levels on Mississippi Lake are expected to increase 30 to 40 cm by mid-week.

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 are strongly urged to stay off all ice covered waterways.

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/or battery 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

Significant rainfall is also forecasted for later in the week. That has the potential to cause significant flooding in some areas of the watershed depending on where and how much rainfall there is. MVCA will continue to monitor conditions and provide updates as required.

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 FLOOD WATCH is in effect until April 16, 2019 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 dams to help mitigate flooding, estimates expected river flows and water levels and issues flood advisories or warnings as required. MVCA provides early warning and continuous monitoring to municipal and provincial emergency response personnel through a flood event.

Contact: Gord Mountenay
Water Management Supervisor
613-253-0006 ext. 233
info@mvc.on.ca www.mvc.on.ca