Haldimand County Emergency Services is once again asking the public to stay off frozen waterways and cease recreation activities on ice due to unsafe conditions.

Despite the moderate start to winter through January, temperatures fell below the long-term average in February with much of the watershed seeing above average precipitation. These conditions have resulted in a snowpack with higher than average water content and intact, but unsafe, ice conditions on many local water bodies.

“Unstable ice and fast-moving water is a deadly combination. No ice is safe ice, and right now it is particularly dangerous,” said Deputy Fire Chief Rodger Hill. “At this time of the year, the composition of ice can change very quickly and in an instant you could find yourself in a life-threatening situation.”

The Grand River Conservation Authority’s latest Flood Outlook indicates an elevated risk of flooding throughout the Grand River watershed this spring, with the possibility of ice jam flooding.

The public is reminded that daily changes in underwater currents, temperature, wind, and precipitation can rapidly affect ice conditions. Residents typically prone to spring flooding should pay close attention to weather reports and watch for updated flood messages.