Wet weather to increase WC watershed levels

WEST CARLETON – The Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority (MVCA0, no surprise, says today’s (April 5) huge amount of precipitation, will cause a “significant increase” in West Carleton’s rivers and creeks’ levels.

“Significant precipitation amounts between 40-60 millimetres are forecasted for today; along with continued snow melt this will cause a significant increase in levels and flows throughout the Mississippi and Carp river watersheds over the next few days,” MVCA water resources technologist Jennifer North released in a statement today. “We do not anticipate any significant flooding at this time. However, residents in low lying areas historically susceptible to flooding should take the necessary precautions to protect their property.”

The shoreline adjacent to lakes, rivers and creeks is currently very slippery and poses a serious hazard.

“Falling into open water could result in hypothermia or drowning,” North said. “Ice conditions on lakes and rivers are deteriorating. Residents are strongly urged to stay off all ice-covered waterways.”

The 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.

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

This Watershed Conditions Statement is in effect until the end of the day on Tuesday, April 11 and will be updated at that time unless the forecasts change.

 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.