Flood Warning Levels
In cooperation with various levels of government, Conservation Authorities work to reduce the risk of loss of life and property damage from flooding, erosion and other natural hazards.
The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources is responsible for forecasting where and when flooding is likely to occur and issuing flood alerts and warnings to Conservation Authorities. To reduce the impact of potential flooding the Conservation Authority may monitor flows and water levels within their watersheds, operate flood control structures such as dams and flood control channels to prevent or reduce flooding, and work with the Surface Water Monitoring Centre of the Ministry of Natural Resources, municipalities and emergency response agencies to prepare for potential flooding and mitigation efforts.
As a result of a review of flood message terminology, the Sault Ste. Marie Region Conservation Authority (SSMRCA) and Conservation Authorities across the provice are introducing some changes effictive February 2012. These changes will ensure that Conservation Authorities use consistent terminology in line with that used by other agencies such as the Ontario Ministry of Natural Rewsources, Environment Canada and the Weather Network.
The SSMRCA issues four types of messages depending on conditions:
A general notice of potential flooding or other conditions that pose a risk to personal safety or which have the potential to lead to flooding.
There are two types of Statements:
| WATER SAFETY | FLOOD OUTLOOK |
| Indicates that high flows, unsafe banks, melting ice or other factors could be dangerous to people and pets. Flooding is not expected. |
Early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts call for heavy rain, snow melt high wind or other conditions that could lead to high runoff, cause ice jams, lakeshore flooding or erosion.
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