Flood Warnings and Safety

South Nation Conservation (SNC) advises that the Flood Outlook of March 18th is being updated to a Water Safety Statement.

Weather Forecast

Environment Canada (ECCC) forecasts seasonal temperatures of single digit highs above zero during daytime hours, and single digit lows below zero overnight for the next four days. Up to 5 mm of rain or snow is expected on March 26 which may lead to minor increases in water levels and flows.

Environmental Conditions

Ground conditions are currently frozen but will be in a state of elevated saturation when thawed. Most of the snowpack has melted away, although some remains in shaded and forested areas. Most river and tributary systems are open and clear of ice. Water levels and flows continue to decline from the peaks observed in early March.

It is anticipated that rain forecasted will have minor impacts to levels and flows, and that they will continue to decline for the remainder of March.

Risks

Rivers across the jurisdiction are still experiencing elevated water levels and faster flows with slippery or unstable banks.

Action

Residents are advised to exercise extreme caution when near rivers and waterbodies due to increasing river flows and slippery conditions. Any ice-covered bodies of water are considered unsafe. Parents are encouraged to explain these dangers to their children.

Residents in flood-prone or low-lying areas, historically susceptible to flooding, should take the necessary precautions to protect their property.

Please ensure:

• Sump pump is clear, in good working condition and has a backwater valve on it.
• Easy access to portable backup generator and pump.
• Downspouts are clear and the outlet is at least 3 m from the dwelling.
• Driveway culverts are clear of debris and drain well.
• Items that might float away as flows increase are secured.

Duration

This flood outlook statement is in effect until March 30, 2026 at 5 p.m. or until an update has been issued.

South Nation Conservation (SNC) advises that the Flood Watch of March 16 is being downgraded to a Flood Outlook Statement.

Weather Forecast

Environment Canada (ECCC) forecasts a return to seasonal temperatures of single digit highs above zero during daytime hours, and single digit lows below zero overnight for the next four days. Warmer temperatures and up to 25 mm of rain is expected on March 22 which may lead to minor increases in water levels and flows.

Environmental Conditions

Ground conditions are currently frozen but will be in a state of elevated saturation when thawed. Most of the snowpack has melted away, although some remains in shaded and forested areas. Most river and tributary systems are open and clear of ice. Water levels and flows continue to decline from the peaks observed in early March.

It is anticipated that the brief warming and rain forecasted will have minor impacts to levels and flows, and that they will continue to decline for the remainder of March.

Risks

Rivers across the jurisdiction are still experiencing elevated water levels and faster flows with slippery or unstable banks.

Action

Residents are advised to exercise extreme caution when near rivers and waterbodies due to increasing river flows and slippery conditions. Any ice-covered bodies of water are considered unsafe. Parents are encouraged to explain these dangers to their children.

Residents in flood-prone or low-lying areas, historically susceptible to flooding, should take the necessary precautions to protect their property.

Please ensure:

• Sump pump is clear, in good working condition and has a backwater valve on it.
• Easy access to portable backup generator and pump.
• Downspouts are clear and the outlet is at least 3 m from the dwelling.
• Driveway culverts are clear of debris and drain well.
• Items that might float away as flows increase are secured.

Duration

This flood outlook statement is in effect until March 25, 2026 at 5 p.m. or until an update has been issued.

This is an update to the Flood Watch released on March 11, 2026. Warmer temperatures combined with additional rainfall this evening will lead to additional snowmelt and result in increases in water levels and flows.

Weather Forecast

Environment Canada is forecasting a high of 15°C today (Monday) and up to 30 mm of rain by early Tuesday morning, followed by 3 to 7 cm of snow. Temperatures will drop below zero early Tuesday morning and are expected to remain below freezing until Thursday morning.

Daytime temperatures later this week are expected to reach single-digit highs above zero, with overnight lows in the single digits below zero. Additional snowfall is expected Thursday night through Friday.

Environmental Conditions

Water levels and flows in local rivers and streams remain elevated, however, they have been steadily declining since peak levels and flows early last week. Ground conditions are saturated, limiting infiltration and increasing runoff to waterways.

Based on current forecasts, the SNC flood forecasting model indicates that water levels are expected to increase briefly over the next two days, resulting in additional flooding in low-lying areas, floodplains, and areas with poor drainage.

Risks

Rivers throughout the jurisdiction currently have elevated water levels, fast-flowing water, and slippery or unstable banks, creating hazardous conditions near waterways. Remaining river ice may increase the potential for ice jam formation at bridges, culverts, and other channel constrictions.

The extent of flooding will depend on the amount of rainfall received; however, extensive flooding is not expected. Additional updates will be provided as forecasts improve.

Action

Residents in flood-prone or low-lying areas, historically susceptible to flooding, should take the necessary precautions to protect their property.

Please ensure:

• Sump pump is clear, in good working condition and has a backwater valve on it.
• Easy access to portable backup generator and pump.
• Downspouts are clear and the outlet is at least 3 m from the dwelling.
• Driveway culverts are clear of debris and drain well.
• Items that might float away as flows increase are secured.

Residents are advised to continue to exercise extreme caution near rivers and waterbodies due to increasing river flows and slippery conditions. Any ice-covered bodies of water are considered unsafe. Parents are encouraged to explain these dangers to their children.

Duration

This flood watch statement is in effect until March 19, 2026, at 5 p.m. or until an update has been issued.

This is an update to the Flood Watch released on March 9, 2026. Rainfall received over the weekend has led to increasing river levels, flooding of low-lying areas and unsafe conditions near waterways. Additional rainfall forecasted for March 11 into the 12 could lead to further flooding depending on the total amount of precipitation received.

Weather Forecast

Environment Canada is forecasting a mix of freezing rain and rainfall over the next day, with total amounts of approximately 40 mm by March 12. The amount of forecasted freezing rain compared to rainfall varies depending on location across the jurisdiction.

The extended forecast shows a decline in temperatures after March 12, returning to more seasonal temperatures above zero-degree daytime highs and nighttime temperatures falling below zero. Additional snowfall is forecasted over the weekend.

Environmental Conditions

Water levels and flows in local rivers and streams remain high due to recent rainfall and snowmelt. Ground conditions are saturated, limiting infiltration and increasing runoff to waterways that are already near capacity. Ice remains in the main river systems, and rising flows could cause ice movement or breakup, increasing the risk of localized ice jams.

Based on current forecasts, the SNC flood forecasting model indicates that water levels are expected to increase over March 11 and 12, potentially resulting in additional flooding in low-lying areas, floodplains, and areas with poor drainage.

Risks

Rivers throughout the jurisdiction currently have elevated water levels, fast-flowing water, and slippery or unstable banks, creating hazardous conditions near waterways. Remaining river ice also increases the potential for ice breakup and ice jam formation at bridges, culverts, and other channel constrictions.

The extent of flooding will depend on the amount and timing of rainfall over the coming days. Additional updates will be provided as forecasts become more certain.

Action

Residents in flood-prone or low-lying areas, historically susceptible to flooding, should take the necessary precautions to protect their property.

Please ensure:

• Sump pump is clear, in good working condition and has a backwater valve on it.
• Easy access to portable backup generator and pump.
• Downspouts are clear and the outlet is at least 3 m from the dwelling.
• Driveway culverts are clear of debris and drain well.
• Items that might float away as flows increase are secured.

Residents are advised to continue to exercise extreme caution near rivers and waterbodies due to increasing river flows and slippery conditions. Any ice-covered bodies of water are considered unsafe. Parents are encouraged to explain these dangers to their children.

Duration

This flood watch statement is in effect until March 16, 2026, at 5 p.m. or until an update has been issued.

This is an update to the Flood Outlook released on March 4, 2026. Warmer temperatures and rainfall over the weekend has led to increasing river levels, flooding of low-lying areas and unsafe conditions near  waterways. Additional rainfall forecasted for March 10 into the 12 could lead to further flooding depending on the total amount of precipitation received.

Weather Forecast

Environment Canada is forecasting continued above-zero temperatures on March 9 and 10, leading to additional snow melt across the SNC jurisdiction. Rainfall is expected to begin March 10 and continue through March 12, with total precipitation amounts approaching 45 mm by March 12.

The extended forecast shows a decline in temperatures after March 12, with mostly below-zero temperatures for the following week, including some snow accumulation.

Environmental Conditions

Recent warm temperatures and rainfall over the weekend caused significant snowmelt and runoff across the watershed, increasing water levels and flows in local rivers and streams. River levels peaked early Monday morning in the headwaters and have since begun to gradually decline; however, levels remain elevated across the watershed and may rise again with additional rainfall and snowmelt expected later this week.

Snowpack remains in parts of the watershed, particularly in forested areas, and continued melting is expected as temperatures remain above freezing. Ground conditions are saturated, limiting infiltration and increasing runoff to waterways, with rivers and streams near capacity.

Ice remains in the main river systems, and rising flows could cause ice movement or breakup, increasing the risk of localized flooding.

Based on current forecasts, the SNC flood forecasting model indicates water levels could peak again around March 12, potentially resulting in flooding in low-lying areas, floodplains, and areas with poor drainage.

Risks

Rivers throughout the jurisdiction currently have elevated water levels, fast-flowing water, and slippery or unstable banks, creating hazardous conditions near waterways. Remaining river ice also increases the potential for ice breakup and ice jam formation at bridges, culverts, and other channel constrictions.

The extent of flooding will depend largely on the amount and timing of rainfall over the coming days. Additional updates will be provided as forecasts become more certain.

Action

Residents in flood-prone or low-lying areas, historically susceptible to flooding, should take the necessary precautions to protect their property.

Please ensure:

• Sump pump is clear, in good working condition and has a backwater valve on it.
• Easy access to portable backup generator and pump.
• Downspouts are clear and the outlet is at least 3 m from the dwelling.
• Driveway culverts are clear of debris and drain well.
• Items that might float away as flows increase are secured.

Residents are advised to continue to exercise extreme caution near rivers and waterbodies due to increasing river flows and slippery conditions. Any ice-covered bodies of water are considered unsafe. Parents are encouraged to explain these dangers to their children.

Duration

This flood watch statement is in effect until March 11, 2026, at 5 p.m. or until an update has been issued.

SNC advises that warmer temperatures and forecasted rain will mark the beginning of the spring freshet which will result in quickly rising river water levels and unsafe conditions.

Weather Forecast

Environment Canada (ECCC) is forecasting sustained above-zero temperatures starting March 6. Daytime temperatures are expected to reach up to 15 degrees C in some areas leading to snow melt. Warmer temperatures will likely be accompanied by rainfall, with total rainfall amounts approaching up to 25 mm by March 7. ECCC’s extended forecast shows a continued warming period with the potential for an additional 50 to 80 mm from March 10 to 13.

Environmental Conditions

Snowpack and snow water equivalent across the South Nation Conservation jurisdiction are slightly above normal for this time of year, while ice thickness on rivers across the jurisdiction are mostly below normal. River water levels are currently on the low side of the normal seasonal range, creating capacity in local river systems.

It is anticipated that by March 7 snow melt and rainfall will result in increased river water levels and fast flowing water. Considering today’s forecast, the SNC flood forecast model predicts that water levels will peak on March 13, resulting in flooding of low-lying areas, floodplains, and areas with poor drainage. Widespread flooding is not anticipated at this time, however, this can quickly change depending on the amount and intensity of rainfall received.

Risks

Rivers across the jurisdiction will result in higher water levels, fast flowing water and slippery or unstable banks. Additionally, these conditions elevate the risk for ice breakup and ice jams at bridges, culverts and other areas producing localized flooding concerns in low lying areas.

Action

Residents are advised to exercise extreme caution when near rivers and waterbodies due to elevated flows and slippery conditions. Parents are encouraged to explain these dangers to their children.

The timing and amount of rainfall received will determine the extent of flooding. Residents in flood prone or low-lying areas, historically susceptible to flooding, should take the necessary precautions to protect their property. Please ensure:

• Sump pump is clear, in good working condition and has a backwater valve on it.
• Easy access to portable backup generator and pump.
• Downspouts are clear and the outlet is at least 3 m from the dwelling.
• Driveway culverts are clear of debris and drain well.
• Items that might float away as flows increase are secured.

Duration

This flood outlook statement is in effect until March 9, 2026, at 5 p.m. or until an update has been issued.