Flood Watch – Ice Jams Impacting Lower Maitland and Nine Mile Rivers

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Flood Watch – Ice Jams Impacting Lower Maitland and Nine Mile Rivers

Due to the risk of ice jams, Maitland Conservation is issuing a Flood Watch for the Lower Maitland River including Saltford, and the mouth of the Nine Mile River in Port Albert.

Upstream watercourses in the eastern portion of the watershed have peaked and high flows are slowly continuing downstream. These flows are carrying broken ice which is building up at localized areas along the Lower Maitland River. There is the potential for ice jams to form at any major crossings, culverts, and river bends upstream of major river outlets. Ice jams are very unpredictable and bring the risk of flooding to low lying structures and roadways regardless of flood-prone history.

It is difficult to predict where ice jams will form and how long they will persist. Municipal staff should monitor crossing structures for ice jams and localized flooding. Residents are reminded not to attempt to drive or walk through flooded areas. Conditions can change rapidly, and access routes can quickly be cut-off.

Maitland Conservation staff will be closely monitoring the situation over the next 48 hours and will provide an update if conditions change. This message will remain in place until 4:00 pm on Monday February 21, 2022.

- End of Message -
Contact: 
Jeff Winzenried, Water Resources Technician
jwinzenried@mvca.on.ca  519-357-0890

Media Contact:
Jayne Thompson, Communications Coordinator
jthompson@mvca.on.ca, 519-335-3557 ext. 226  Cell: 519-357-6670

Types of Flood Messages:

Watershed Conditions Statement - Water Safety - General watershed conditions are being assessed for high runoff potential that could lead to flooding, and to remind the public of general river safety issues.
Watershed Conditions Statement - Flood Outlook - Early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts calling for heavy rain, snow melt, high wind or other conditions that could lead to high runoff, cause ice jams, lakeshore flooding or erosion.
Flood Watch - Flooding is possible in specific watercourses or municipalities. Municipalities, emergency services and individual landowners in flood-prone areas should prepare.
Flood Warning - Flooding is imminent or already occurring in specific watercourses or municipalities. Municipalities and individuals should take action to deal with flood conditions. This may include road closures and evacuation s.