Conservation Sudbury held its annual Spring Flood Contingency Planning meeting last week at Tom Davies Square.
The most recent information regarding snow and water levels was shared and preparedness for the upcoming spring runoff was discussed.
Across Sudbury's watersheds, snow depths and water content are within the normal range for this time of March. Conservation Sudbury staff will continue to assess the snow cover until the snowpack has all but disappeared.
"The ground is largely saturated and is frozen in some areas due to the recent cold weather; frozen and saturated ground conditions will not assist in absorbing snowmelt and runoff if it occurs rapidly this spring," said a Conservation Sudbury news release.
"The cold month of February contributed not only to the refreezing of soils and snowpack but to substantial ice cover on area lakes, streams and wetlands."
Weather conditions directly influence the severity and duration of spring runoff to be experienced in the city's watersheds. Residents in low-lying and known-hazard areas will have to closely monitor developing conditions once the melt and runoff begins in earnest.
Each spring, flooding remains a real possibility, especially if the weather gets too warm too fast in late March into April; this can be aggravated by significant rainfall at the same time.
Residents that experience overland runoff and flooding problems are advised to call 3-1-1 for assistance. This service operates 24 hours a day. Residents can also sign up for Sudbury Alerts, the City’s new notification system that will alert residents of a potential hazard or concern that is considered an imminent threat to public safety.
The system allows residents to receive emergency alerts on their home phone, cell phone, TTY service, fax number or email address. Sudbury Alerts will act in conjunction with the City’s emergency management program for the protection and safety of residents.
Those who wish to receive emergency notifications can sign up for the service at greatersudbury.ca/sudburyalerts or by visiting any of the City’s 13 Customer Service Centres. For more information call 3-1-1.
"Conservation Sudbury, along with our partners, reminds everyone to stay away from watercourses and bodies of water now and as spring progresses. Many streams continue to flow through the winter and are now starting to open up," said the news release.
"This is an important reminder for parents and guardians of children who may be spending time outdoors, especially as the weather gradually warms."
Areas of ice and snow-covered waters should be considered unsafe. Stream banks are often slippery and can be unstable. A tragedy can happen very quickly around cold, fast-flowing water.
The general public will be updated on developing conditions by Conservation Sudbury and its partners.
Flood and emergency preparedness information can be found at conservationsudbury.ca and greatersudbury.ca.
