The Land and Water Technologist with the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority says they've changed the terminology in their flood advisories over the last few years to be more consistent with the weather advisories issued by Environment Canada.
Davin Heinbuck explains when they issue a flood watch there is a fairly good probability of flooding in that area and a flood warning indicates that flooding is imminent or already occurring. Heinbuck acknowledges there is a danger in being too quick to issue a warning and it's something they are concerned about. He says they don't want to get too much information out when it's not required but they also want to make sure people get the information they do need and understand when a flood warning is issued it should be taken seriously.
Heinbuck suggests the series of freezes and thaws that we've experienced this winter have released moisture gradually and with now snow on the ground at this point indications are we won't see any serious flooding this spring.
Heinbuck cautions though the ground is saturated now so it wouldn't take much rainfall to bring creek and river flows up significantly.