Maitland River near Goderich.
HURON COUNTY – A flood watch for most watersheds in Huron County has been cancelled, after less than expected rainfall accumulation in the last 48 hours.
However, a flood watch remains in effect for the Nine Mile River watershed after a lot of rain and snow melt runoff in that area.
As of 11 a.m. this morning, total rainfall amounts since Tuesday morning have ranged from 25mm in the south part of the Ausable-Bayfield watershed to 35 mm in north parts of the watershed.
Warm temperatures depleted much of the snow pack in the Maitland watershed and an average of 25 mm of rain has fallen over the past 36 hours. As a result, water levels in streams and rivers are rising rapidly. While widespread flooding in the Maitland watershed is not expected at this time, flooding could occur in low lying areas.
Based on current forecasts, temperatures will be falling through the day today and drop below freezing by tomorrow morning. There is no significant rainfall expected before we return to freezing temperatures.
While water levels in streams rose quickly yesterday, most of the smaller streams will have peaked by later this morning, and larger rivers are expected to peak later today. Water levels in larger rivers are expected to remain high through Friday. There have been no reports of river flooding issues.
Flows were high enough to break up any river ice, but no problems have been reported and with rivers now flowing mostly free of ice, no ice jam problems are expected.
Residents are reminded that due to warmer temperatures and accompanying rainfall, any ice remaining on local streams and rivers, including ponds and reservoirs, should be considered unsafe. In addition, please use caution near all watercourses as waters may be fast-moving and higher than normal. Slippery and unstable streambanks and extremely cold water temperatures will create additional hazards.
The Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority will continue to monitor watershed conditions and will provide an update if required
