Crowe Valley Water Safety Statement - March 17, 2025

The Crowe Valley Conservation Authority is issuing the following WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT – effective immediately, Monday, 17 March 2025 to Friday 21 March 2025.

WATER CONDITIONS STATEMENT – WATER SAFETY

The Crowe Valley Conservation Authority watershed has received significant rainfall from a low pressure system which moved across the Province in the past 24 hours.  This system has resulted in approximately 35mm of rainfall deposited in the northern portion of the watershed and up to 20mm in the south.

As a result of the rainfall and ongoing snowmelt due to higher temperatures, all lakes in the watershed will be experiencing higher water levels.  Warmer temperatures forecasted this week also add to increase flows in all streams, creeks and rivers as the snowmelt continues.

Minor flooding in flood prone areas of the Crowe Valley watershed is likely or already occurring.  Residents should consider taking the necessary precautions to protect their property.  The CVCA recommends:

·         Securing items that might float away

·         Ensure emergency phone numbers are current

·         Have a personal emergency plan in place and know your municipalities Emergency Preparedness Plan

Flows at dams, hydro generation plants and underneath bridges have increased and must be avoided.  Culverts will also have fast flowing water and increased depths and must be avoided as well as water flows continue to increase.  CVCA staff strongly advise residents, especially children stay away from these dangerous zones.

Hypothermia is still a concern for anyone at this time of year if a person falls into water.  Avoid banks of rivers and streams which are slippery or have unstable walking conditions which could lead to accidently falling into water.  Even smaller tributaries such as streams, creeks and ditches with fast flowing water must be avoided to eliminate exposure to hazardous conditions.

The Crowe Valley Conservation Authority has issued this Water Safety Statement to inform the public of current water levels and flows.  This Statement will be updated as per weather and watershed conditions change.

CVCA staff will continue to monitor levels and flows daily and this Watershed Conditions Statement will be updated as conditions warrant.  If there are any questions or concerns, contact Tim Pidduck, CVCA General Manager or Neil McConkey, Water Resources Supervisor at 613-472-3137.  The CVCA includes portions of the municipalities of Trent Hills, Stirling-Rawdon, Marmora and Lake, Havelock-Belmont-Methuen, North Kawartha, Wollaston, Limerick, Tudor and Cashel, Faraday and Highlands East.

Crowe Valley Water Safety Statement - March 17, 2025