The Grand River Conservation Authority is issuing the following Flood Termination message. All Flood Warnings and Watches issued between January 9 and 13 are now terminated. A Watershed Conditions Statement: Water Safety remains in effect across the watershed through the remainder of the week due to higher than normal river flows.

River flows throughout the Grand River watershed continue to recede following the record rainfall event last weekend. A large amount of debris, including large trees and branches, has been swept into the river system during this event. In addition to the higher than normal flows and extremely cold water temperatures, this debris poses an additional hazard on local waterways.

GRCA’s major reservoirs helped mitigate flooding downstream in the Grand, Conestogo, and Speed River systems during this event, reducing downstream river flows by up to 60%. Water is now being released from these reservoirs, returning them to their normal operating levels for this time of year.

Stay Safe

The public is asked to stay away from all waterways due to the extreme risk at this time and reminded to exercise extreme caution around all water bodies. Banks adjacent to rivers and creeks are very slippery at this time and, when combined with current weather conditions, pose a serious hazard. Parents are encouraged to keep their children and pets away from all watercourses.

This message will remain in effect until Sunday January 19, 2020.