Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority (Cloca) is reminding residents of the dangers that exist near bodies of water around this time of year, and urging people to keep family and pets away from the edges of all waterways.
It acknowledged increased interest from residents to enjoy outdoor activities during the pandemic. However, with spring approaching, warmer temperatures usually bring rain, melting snow and shifting ice which can contribute to higher, faster flowing water in watercourses and unstable conditions on ice covered waterbodies, said a Cloca statement.
Since January, watersheds have received higher than normal snowfall amounts, as well as periods of above zero temperatures and rain-on-snow events, resulting in additional risks around waterbodies. Any remaining ice coverage in watercourses can also result in ice jams if air temperatures and flows increase quickly.
Remember the following tips:
- Keep family and pets away from the edges of all bodies of water.
- Avoid all recreational activities in or around water, especially near ice jams or ice-covered watercourses and waterbodies.
- Do not attempt to walk on ice-covered waterbodies or drive through flooded roads or fast-moving water.
- If you live close to the water, move objects such as chairs or benches away from the water’s edge to avoid losing them during potential spring high water.
- Avoid walking close to/across riverbanks and ice-covered water to prevent falling through. River banks can become unstable in the spring due to snowmelt and erosion.
Rescuing another person or a pet from icy water is dangerous. If you see anyone that has fallen through the ice call 911 for help immediately.
Lake Ontario level
The International Lake Ontario-St. Lawrence River Board (ILOSRB) suggests the water level of Lake Ontario is expected to be relatively stable for the next couple of weeks. It is still too early to forecast peak water levels for Lake Ontario for this upcoming spring and summer season. The range of forecast levels depends on various factors including:
- Inflows from Lake Erie, which currently remain above normal levels, but lower than 2021;
- Spring rainfall and runoff amounts into Lake Ontario which are yet to occur;
Spring peak flow of the Ottawa River into the St. Lawrence River, which will influence the outflow of Lake Ontario at the Moses-Saunders Dam in Cornwall
Stay up to date by viewing Cloca’s website.