Melting snow brought about by warmer temperatures arriving on Wednesday is expected to create potentially perilous conditions around streams, rivers and other bodies of water in Mississauga, Brampton and Caledon, the local conservation authority says.

“With forecasted warmer temperatures in the Credit River Watershed, snow melt will increase flows and water levels in low‑lying areas, ranging from approximately 100 mm in the upper watershed to 50 mm in the lower watershed,” Credit Valley Conservation, the organization that protects natural areas and watercourses in Mississauga, Brampton, Caledon and several other communities, said in a Water Safety Statement issued on Tuesday afternoon.

Such official statements from the conservation authority are issued when high water flows, unsafe banks, melting ice or other factors are expected that could be dangerous for recreational users such as anglers,
canoeists, hikers, children and pets.

CVC noted in its statement that “flooding is not expected.”

Water Safety Statements are issued to local municipalities, police, other emergency services workers, school boards and the media.

“Environment and Climate Change Canada and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry’s Surface Water Monitoring Centre are forecasting warmer conditions, with temperatures expected to reach the double digits by the end of the week,” CVC officials said in the statement. “A few millimetres of rain are also expected on Wednesday and Thursday.”

While flooding along the Credit River and its major tributaries is not expected, “the snowpack contains a significant snow water equivalent, ranging from approximately 100 mm in the upper watershed to 50 mm in the lower watershed. This melt will increase flows and water levels in low‑lying areas.”

Continuing, the statement noted that as temperatures rise, the subsequent melting of ice and snow could cause local streams and rivers to become icy and hazardous, particularly near culverts, bridges and dams.

As such, children should be warned to stay away from all watercourses, CVC added.

The Water Safety Statement will remain in effect through Sunday or until further notice.

(Cover photo: City of Mississauga X)


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