GRCA Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety

A weather system is forecast to move through the Grand River watershed starting Saturday, December 28 through to Monday, December 30, 2024. This weather system will bring warm temperatures of up to 10 degrees Celsius resulting in snow melt. In addition, 25 to 35 mm of rain is expected by the time the system moves out of the area on December 28.

There is a snowpack of variable depths across the watershed with more snow present in the north. Water levels and flows are slightly elevated due to recent rain and snowmelt runoff.

No significant flooding is expected with this event. However, higher flows in local waterways will increase the risk in low-lying areas typically prone to flooding.

GRCA reservoirs

GRCA reservoirs are at their normal operating level for this time of year and will be operated to manage runoff and reduce downstream flooding related to elevated river flows. However, river flows will remain elevated, increasing the safety risk around rivers and streams throughout the watershed.

Stay safe 

The public is encouraged to exercise extreme caution around all local waterways. Banks adjacent to rivers and creeks are very slippery and, when combined with cold, fast-moving water, pose a serious hazard. Any remaining ice cover will be severely eroded due to rain and thaw, and riverbanks will be icy and wet. As it is the winter holiday break, parents are reminded to keep their children and pets away from all watercourses.

River conditions and forecasts are being monitored closely. This message will remain in effect until 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 2, 2025. Updated flood messages will be issued if needed.

More information

• For more information on flows, weather and reservoir conditions see the River Data section of the GRCA website.
• More information on the flood warning system is available on the GRCA website.
• Receive GRCA flood messages by e-mail by subscribing through the GRCA website.
• Follow GRCA flood messages on X at grca_flood_msg.
• Copies of the GRCA’s River Safety Rules booklet is available by contacting the GRCA Administration Centre.
• More information about how the GRCA manages floods is available in the Flooding section of the website.

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Members of the media: please email inquiries to floodcomms@grandriver.ca and someone will reply to you as quickly as possible.