Mild temperatures and rain in the forecast are again leading to flooding concerns in the Ausable Bayfield watershed.
The Ausable Bayfield and Maitland Valley Conservation Authorities issued releases this afternoon warning residents to stay away from creeks, rivers and other watercourses this weekend.
The conservation authorities say there is the equivalent of 20-25 millimetres of water in the snowpack that is now melting. That, combined with about 25 millimetres of rain expected this evening, will lead to a quick runoff.
The conservation authorities are expecting high stream flows but major flooding is not anticipated. There could be some flooding in traditional floodplains. There is a risk of ice jamming in the river mouth areas of Port Franks, Bayfield and Grand Bend. The Maitland River is expected to peak late Sunday or early Monday morning.