GRCA Flood Message #6 – Flood Warning Termination/Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety

The Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) is terminating the Flood Warning messages previously in effect. A Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety is being issued for the entire Grand River watershed. 

High flows observed throughout the watershed caused by warmer temperatures and rain since Friday, January 9, 2026, are receding. However, water levels remain high in local waterways. Ice jams that had frozen in place following the melt are breaking up and moving through the system.

Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety

The GRCA is warning the public to stay off of frozen rivers, reservoirs and ponds. The runoff and high-water levels have weakened ice on local water bodies and lifted it away from shorelines. Higher flows will continue to weaken ice sheets where they have formed.

River systems, reservoirs, and water control structures experience changing water levels and flows that prevent stable ice formation. While colder temperatures allow for some ice formation, daily changes in temperature, wind, precipitation and underwater currents greatly affect ice conditions. Snow on top of the ice can hide weak spots and slow the ice from freezing properly. Any existing ice can break easily and should not be used for any winter activity.

Recent warm, wet weather has led to significant runoff and increased water levels and flows in the Grand River watershed. The public is encouraged to exercise extreme caution around all local waterways and is strongly advised to stay off all ice. Parents and caregivers should keep children and pets away from the water and off the ice. Banks adjacent to rivers and creeks are very slippery and, when combined with cold, fast-moving water, pose a serious hazard. Recreational users near local waterways should be aware of the current conditions and exercise additional caution.

GRCA Reservoirs

GRCA major reservoirs were used to reduce downstream flood impacts during this active weather event. Water levels will remain elevated throughout the week as runoff stored in these reservoirs is gradually discharged.

This message will remain in effect until 12:00 p.m. on Friday, January 16, 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