Issued March 9, 2012 @3:00pm

The Sault Ste. Marie Region Conservation Authority would like to issue a statement to residents in regard to current watershed conditions. Most of the local small creeks and streams are flowing at below seasonal levels.

The weather forecast from the Surface Water Monitoring Centre indicates that warm temperatures will be the dominant feature for at least the next week. With temperatures remaining above the freezing point the snow pack will be melting quickly over the next week. As well our forecast area could receive up to 15 mm of rainfall by Monday. These two factors may combine to increase the amount of water entering our local watercourses.

The melting of the snowpack combined with the anticipated precipitation will cause increases in water levels and the flow of local water courses.  Flooding of local streams and rivers is not expected based on the current forecast. The Sault Ste. Marie Region Conservation Authority will be monitoring streamflows across the watershed

The Sault Ste. Marie Region Conservation Authority would like to extend a warning to residents and visitors to use extreme caution when close to rivers, creeks and streams. Potential increases in water levels and flows can be especially dangerous and stream banks can be slippery. Please remind children to keep away from fast flowing rivers and streams.

This statement will not be updated unless conditions warrant.

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