The Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) has issued a Watershed Conditions Statement – Flood Outlook for the entire Grand River watershed, warning that changing weather patterns could lead to increased river flows and a heightened risk of localized flooding.
A warm weather system is expected to move into the region beginning Saturday and continue through Thursday.
Forecasts call for above-freezing daytime temperatures and the possibility of rain, which could accelerate snowmelt and weaken river ice.
GRCA officials say snowpack monitoring shows water content higher than normal across the watershed.
While the snowpack can absorb some rainfall, prolonged mild temperatures could trigger significant melting. Flood risks increase further if heavy rain coincides with rapid thawing.
There is also concern about the formation of ice jams.
Although ice conditions are less severe than in past years such as 2018 and 2019, much of the river system remains ice covered.
As ice breaks up and moves downstream, jams could form in slower sections of waterways, potentially causing sudden and localized flooding.
Lake Erie remains largely ice covered, increasing the risk of ice-related flooding near the mouth of the Grand River.
GRCA reservoirs are currently at normal seasonal operating levels and will be managed to reduce downstream impacts as much as possible.
The public is being urged to stay away from rivers and creeks, as banks are slippery and water levels can change rapidly.
Ice-covered water should always be considered unsafe, and parents are reminded to keep children and pets away from all watercourses.