The Hamilton Conservation Authority (HCA) is advising that water levels and flows in all watercourses within the HCA watershed are expected to increase significantly, as a result of rain and snowmelt forecasted for this week (January 6 to 10). Significant water safety concerns, as well as localized watercourse flooding of low-lying areas that typically flood during higher water levels, is expected.
Significant watercourse flooding also has potential to occur in all watercourses.
However, there is considerable uncertainty as to the water levels and flows expected to result, given the combination of rain, snowmelt and frozen soil conditions. As such, HCA staff continue to monitor watercourse, watershed, and weather conditions closely.
A close watch on local conditions is recommended. Also, HCA wishes to remind residents to exercise caution near all water bodies and structures such as bridges, culverts and dams during this time. Above normal water levels, faster moving water, rapidly changing levels and flows, unsafe ice, and slippery banks may pose significant hazards. Adults are advised to keep children and pets away from water bodies at this time.
On Tuesday (January 6), the Hamilton area is estimated to receive 2 to 14 mm of rain and an additional 3 mm of snowmelt runoff. Then on Thursday (January 8), 2 to 7 mm of rain and an additional 7 mm of snowmelt runoff are estimated. On Friday (January 9), 1 to 17 mm of rain and an additional 14 mm of snowmelt runoff are estimated. And on Saturday (January 10), 2 to 5 mm of rain and an additional 9 mm of snowmelt runoff are estimated.
Current water levels and flows are near baseflow conditions in all watercourses within the HCA watershed, and do not pose significant water safety concerns nor significant watercourse flooding concerns.
This message is in effect until Monday, January 12, 2026 at 4:30 PM by which time it will either be updated or cancelled. HCA will issue updates prior to January 12 as needed.
There are no other active messages at this time.
For more information, please contact:
Jonathan Bastien
Manager, Water Resources Engineering
Phone: 905-525-2181 ext. 138
Fax: 905-648-4622
Email: jbastien@conservationhamilton.ca
