The Hamilton Conservation Authority (HCA) is advising that water levels and flows in watercourses within the Spencer Creek watershed are currently elevated and pose significant water safety concerns. Localized watercourse flooding of low-lying areas that typically flood during higher water levels is also occurring within the Spencer Creek watershed. There are no reports or expectations that significant watercourse flooding is occurring currently.
In other local watercourses, current water levels and flows are elevated, but do not pose significant water safety concerns nor significant watercourse flooding concerns.
Spencer Creek water levels are expected to continue to pose significant water safety concerns over the next several days. Also, significant water safety concerns may arise in other local watercourses over the next several days, based on forecasted rain and snowmelt. However, significant watercourse flooding is not expected to occur.
There is considerable uncertainty as to the amount of runoff that will occur, given the combination of rain and snowmelt on partially frozen and wet soil conditions. As such, HCA staff continue to monitor watercourse, watershed, and weather conditions closely.
A continued 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 currently.
Over the remainder of today (March 13), the Hamilton area is expected to receive between 4 and 8 mm of mixed precipitation. Then on Sunday (March 15), up to 6 mm of rain or snowmelt runoff is possible. On Monday (March 16), 5 to 11 mm of rain is forecasted at this time.
This message is in effect until Wednesday, March 18, 2026 at 4:30 pm, by which time it will either be updated or cancelled. HCA will issue updates prior to March 18 as needed. This message replaces the Flood Watch – Inland Lake and River Flooding message issued on March 9, 2026.
There are no other active messages currently.
For further information or questions regarding this message, please contact:
Jonathan Bastien, Manager, Water Resources Engineering
Phone: 905-525-2181 ext 138
Mobile: 905-515-3087
Fax: 905-648-4622
Email: jbastien@conservationhamilton.ca
