Based on current snow conditions, along with a five-day forecast for increased temperatures and rainfall, Mississippi Valley Conservation is issuing a Watershed Conditions Bulletin.

Present weather forecasts are calling for significant precipitation in the form of rain and rain/snow mix over the next three days. In the western portion of this watershed (west of Lanark), the current snowpack is expected to have the capacity to absorb the forecast rainfall amounts without significant runoff occurring.  Areas east of Lanark may get enough rainfall to create runoff in smaller creeks and ditches with unstable ice conditions and slippery slopes along all watercourses. With temperatures forecasted to return to below zero by the end of the weekend, significant flooding is not expected at this time.

MVC wants to emphasize the dangers of fast flowing water and unstable shorelines. Parents are strongly urged to continue to warn their children about dangers of hypothermia and playing near cold, fast moving water in ditches and smaller creeks.

Daily water levels and flows are available on the MVC website at www.mvc.on.ca.