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Temperatures across the Quinte Conservation watershed for the weekend and into next week are forecast to be above normal. Water Resources Manager Christine McClure says, “These mild temperatures will further degrade local ice conditions in the Quinte Conservation watershed and we are urging members of the public to be extremely cautious around local waterways. Ice that was safe earlier may be thinner due to unseasonably warm temperatures.”
McClure adds, “Parents and caregivers should remind children about the dangers of playing on or near ice covered surfaces or fast flowing water in ditches and smaller creeks. Hypothermia is a major concern for anyone who is in areas where they could fall into open water.”
Quinte Conservation warns the public that stream banks should be avoided in the winter. Ice and snow make footing unpredictable and frigid open water conditions are extremely dangerous. Areas around dams, culverts and bridges should be avoided at all times. While Quinte Conservation does not measure ice thickness for recreational activities, the organization provides information on watershed safety conditions.
Milder temperatures could cause some localized or nuisance flooding of smaller creeks and ditches. Some low-lying land may see some ponded water. Residents should take care to monitor their sump pumps and ensure they are in good working condition during this type of weather.
Quinte Conservation is issuing a Water Safety Statement regarding the changing conditions in the watershed. A Water Safety Statement indicates that high flows, unsafe banks, melting ice or other factors could be dangerous for users such as anglers, boaters, swimmers, children or pets. Flooding is not expected.
Quinte Conservation is a community-based environmental protection agency. It serves 18 municipalities in the watersheds of the Moira, Napanee and Salmon Rivers and Prince Edward County. It provides cost-effective environmental expertise and leadership. Quinte Conservation’s main goal is to create a sustainable ecosystem where people and nature live in harmony.
Agencies/Canadajournal
