Nature & Wildlife Archives - Page 6 of 7 - Hamilton Conservation Authority

Reptile and Amphibian Hibernation

Post author:BF
Post published:January 28, 2022
Post category:

Ever wonder what happens to all the reptiles and amphibians in our area during the winter? You probably knew they hibernate, but more specifically where do they hibernate and how…

HCA Conservation Areas and Foraging

Post author:BF
Post published:October 26, 2021
Post category:

Foraging and harvesting mushrooms and other wild edible plants has become a popular hobby among outdoor enthusiasts and naturalists alike. The practice has spiked in popularity as more people are…

Leave the Leaves!

Post author:BF
Post published:October 19, 2021
Post category:

Wondering what to do with all those leaves that have fallen off the trees, or looking for a great reason to skip raking? Aside from saving time and energy, there…

Aquatic Monitoring and Electrofishing

Post author:BF
Post published:September 9, 2021
Post category:

Have you spotted our staff out in local creeks and streams and wondered what they are doing? Although they may look a bit like they are ghost-busting, they are actually…

Reptile and Amphibian Hibernation

HCA Conservation Areas and Foraging

Leave the Leaves!

Aquatic Monitoring and Electrofishing

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Current Water Levels

Water Level Explanations

Flood Status Explanations

	Normal No low water conditions exist.
	Level 1 Water users are asked to voluntarily reduce consumption by 10 percent. Precipitation totals are less than 80 percent of long-term averages and/or 30-day average streamflows are less than 100 / 70 percent (springtime / otherwise) of the minimum of the long-term average monthly flows for summer months.
	Level 2 Water users are asked to voluntarily reduce consumption by 20 percent. Precipitation totals are less than 60 percent of long-term averages and/or 30-day average streamflows are less than 70 / 50 percent (springtime / otherwise) of the minimum of the long-term average monthly flows for summer months.
	Level 3 There is also potential for economic harm to water takers and/or significant harm to the ecosystem. The Hamilton Water Response Team may ask the province to impose mandatory restrictions on those holding Permits to Take Water. Precipitation totals are less than 40 percent of long-term averages and/or 30-day average streamflows are less than 50 / 30 percent (springtime / otherwise) of the minimum of the long-term average monthly flows for summer months.

	Normal No flood conditions exist.
	Watershed Conditions Statement - Water Safety High flows, unsafe banks, melting ice or other factors that could be dangerous for recreational users such as anglers, canoeists, hikers, children, pets, etc. Flooding is not expected.
	Watershed Conditions Statement - Flood Outlook Early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts calling for heavy rain, snow melt, high wind or other conditions that could lead to high runoff, cause ice jams, lakeshore flooding or erosion.
	Flood Watch Flooding is possible in specific watercourses or municipalities. Municipalities, emergency services and individual landowners in flood-prone areas should prepare.
	Flood Warning Flooding is imminent or already occurring in specific watercourses or municipalities. Municipalities and individuals should take action to deal with flood conditions. This may include road closures and evacuations.