The St. Clair Region Conservation Authority (SCRCA) has issued a flood watch as next week's mild temperatures and forecasted rainfall are expected to cause water levels to rise more than they already have.
The conservation authority said parts of the watershed could see five to 10 centimetres of snow next week, with an additional 10 to 25 millimetres of rain on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Temperatures could also go up to around 13 C on Wednesday.
"A snow survey conducted [Friday] found the remaining snowpack to have snow-water equivalents between 35 and 50 mm, and soil conditions predominately frozen," read a media release.
Currently, water levels across the region are elevated, with some low-lying areas experiencing flooding.
"Should the long-range forecast come to fruition and the watershed receives 25 mm of rain atop of 50 mm water-equivalent snowpack, the watershed will react with increased runoff and water levels will rise further," read the media release.
The SCRCA is reminding residents to avoid watercourses and flooded areas because of safety concerns related to unstable ice conditions and slippery banks.
The flood watch is expected to remain in effect until 12 p.m. on March 7.
