The flood warning issued yesterday for the communities of Port Albert and Saltford remains in place.

In Port Albert the accumulation of ice at the mouth of the Nine Mile River is continuing to cause flooding in the area of Apple Lane. Ice accumulation is unpredictable and it is difficult to predict how long this situation will persist. Maitland Conservation staff are expecting the ice jam to continue for the foreseeable future.

The Flood Warning for Saltford also remains in place. Flooding is occurring upstream of the Highway 21 bridge due to a buildup of a significant amount of ice. Again, given the unpredictability of ice accumulation, it is difficult to predict how long these conditions will persist.

Township of Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh officials have been asked to monitor these areas and be prepared to take action in case levels continue to rise. Given the unpredictability of ice jams, river levels may rise and fall quickly.

The Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety issued on February 4, 2019 for the entire Maitland and Nine Mile River watersheds has been extended. Approximately 10 mm of additional rain is expected tomorrow across the watersheds during a brief warm-up above freezing. The freezing rain today means that any additional rainfall will runoff and quickly enter watercourses resulting in a rapid increase of water levels. Major flooding beyond traditional low lying areas is not expected in areas other than Salford and Port Albert.

In addition, localized ice jams have been reported across the watersheds. These ice jams may cause water levels to change quickly so municipal officials should monitor low-lying and flood prone roads.

Residents are reminded not to attempt to drive or walk through flooded areas. Slippery and unstable streambanks and cold water temperatures will create hazardous conditions around all watercourses

The Flood Warning and Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety messages will remain in effect until 1:00 p.m. on Monday February 11, 2019.

Maitland Conservation will continue to monitor conditions and will provided an update if warranted.

Contact:       
Steve Jackson, Flood and Erosion Safety Services Coordinator
sjackson@mvca.on.ca
519-335-3557 ext. 230