GRCA Flood Message #2 – Flood Warning Termination and Combined Flood Watch and Watershed Conditions Statement - Flood Outlook

The Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) is terminating the Flood Warning message for Brantford issued on Saturday, January 3, and is issuing a Flood Watch for Brantford and a Watershed Conditions Statement - Flood Outlook message for the remainder of the Grand River watershed.

Weather forecast

Temperatures in the watershed have increased to above freezing on Tuesday, January 6, along with a mix of rain and freezing rain. Mild and wet weather is expected to impact the watershed later this week as two more active weather systems move through the area. Warm temperatures and widespread rain are forecast for Friday, January 9, and Saturday, January 10, which is expected to lead to runoff. The snowpack throughout the watershed is at or above normal for this time of year and some melt through the middle and lower portions of the watershed is expected with the mild weather and rain.

Flood Watch Message for Brantford

Due to ice in the Grand River, water levels in the Grand River through Brantford remain elevated. Municipal flood coordinators in Brantford have been advised to take necessary actions and monitor conditions. Low lying areas, including trails through Gilkison Flats, remain flooded due to elevated water levels.

Watershed Conditions Statement – Flood Outlook

Warm temperatures combined with rain expected this Friday, January 9, and Saturday, January 10 will result in runoff and may cause ice on frozen water bodies and river systems to break up. As ice moves through the rivers there is the risk of ice-jams in slow-moving reaches of watercourses which may lead to localized flooding. Municipal flood coordinators are advised to monitor conditions and locations where ice jams are known to occur.

GRCA Reservoirs

The major reservoirs at Belwood, Conestogo, Guelph, Luther, Woolwich, Laurel, and Shade’s will continue to be operated to help manage runoff and reduce downstream flooding.

Stay safe 

High flows and unstable ice conditions will increase the safety risk around rivers and streams throughout the watershed. The public is encouraged to exercise extreme caution around local waterways. Parents are reminded to keep their children and pets away from watercourses. The public is reminded to stay off ice-covered waterbodies, due to unsafe conditions. 

River conditions and forecasts are being monitored closely, and any additional flood messages will be issued as needed.

This message will remain in effect until 12 p.m. on Monday, January 12th, 2026. 

More information

• For more information on flows, weather and reservoir conditions see the River Data section of the GRCA website.
• More information on the flood warning system is available on the GRCA website.
• Receive GRCA flood messages by e-mail by subscribing through the GRCA website.
• Follow GRCA flood messages on X at grca_flood_msg.
• More information about how the GRCA’s role in managing floods is available in the Flooding section of the website.
• Copies of the GRCA’s River Safety Rules booklet is available by contacting the GRCA Administration Centre

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Media Contacts:

Lisa Stocco, GRCA Director of Strategic Communications and Environmental Education
Phone 519-621-2763 x2316  |  Email lstocco@grandriver.ca

Serena Catania, GRCA Supervisor of Communications and Marketing
Phone 519-621-2763 x2240  |  Email scatania@grandriver.ca