The Lucknow Sentinel, 1986-11-26, Page 43VaNeys & Peop0k - ['WO i 936 e Page 3
CMP
Flood Forecasting
Computers increase the accuracy
and speed of flood forecasting
September 11, 1986, 9a.m. In the
last 24 hours a low pressure system
from the U.S. midwest has dumped 5
inches of rain on the Maitland Valley
watershed.
In the flood forecast centre at the
M.V.C.A. Administrative Office, staff.
watch the computer screen as the
results of the rainfall are reported. If
rainfall forecasts for the next 24 hours
are accurate, the potential for flooding
will exist.
On this day a flood advisory is issued
to inform flood prone municipalities
within the Maitland Valley Watershed
of the current conditions and the extent
of the danger. Should the rain continue
and rivers rise to dangerous levels, a
flood action bulletin will be issued to
inform local municipalities to warn
households, businesses and industries
that might be threatened by the flood.
That is the purpose of the M.V.C.A.
flood forecast system; to predict the
flood potential and the time of arrival
of the fl d peak at downstream conn-
munities. The ultimate g al ls. f this pro-
gram is t •- protect property and dives.
Only a few years ago it took a number
of regular staff members and volunte-
ers many long hours t m:si icor
rainfall and water levels along rivers
and streams during a time of flooding.
Today that job is done with much
greater speed, efficiency and accuracy.
Thanks for this goes to the computer
monitored flood forecast stations
located in the watershed. These
stations keep M.V.C.A. staff
constantly informed on water levels
and rainfall; the key information
needed to forecast flooding.
Beginning in 1980 the M.V.C.A. start-
ed a five year program to update the
flood forecasting system. The'
Authority now has 11 forecasting units
in place throughout the watershed.
These stations continuously record
FORECAST CENTRE — Jane Taylor, engineering services technologist,
checks the data arriving from flood forecast units throughout the water-
shed, at the central computer in the Authority's Wroxeter office.
river levels and atmospheric data. In
addition 3 back-up stations give non -
recording water level information.
DATA COLLECTED — Flood forecast units located throughout the water-
shed record river levels and atmospheric data. This information is used to
forecast when flood peaks will reach watershed communities.
Planning to build?
If you own property along a stream,
river or ravine you are probably
affected by fill, construction and alter-
ations to waterways regulations. These
regulations control the placing of fill,
the construction of buildings or struct-
ures and the alteration of a river or
stream. On lands under this regulation
a permit is required from the
Conservation Authority before such
works are undertaken,
It is the responsibility of the Maitland
Valley Conservation Authority to pro-
tect rivers, streams and wetlands 4nd
carry our monthly snow surveys, exam-
ining snow depth and equivalent water
content at 8 sites.
The ultimate goal of the
program is to protect property
and lies
The flood forecasting units are linked
by telephone lines to a computer at the
Authority's Administrative Office in
Wroxeter.
Snowfall is an important factor in pre-
dicting the level of spring runoff.
Knowing the snow depth and moisture
content in various areas of the
watershed allows for the calculation of ,
potential runoff. Authority field staff
Since the initial recorded flood in 1834,
residents of the Maitland Valley Water-
shed have been subjected to periods of
high water of varying degrees of inten-
sity. Records show that floods can
occur any time of the year. Man cannot
control all flooding but flood forecast-
ing can provide warnings to residents
whose property and lives may be
affected by flooding.
the mutual needs of.adjacent landown-
ers. Individuals living along a river ,or
stream often do not realize the
problems that may occur if they change
their property. Fill, construction
and/or alteration may jeopardize not
only the owners property but also that
of upstream and downstream neigh-
bours. Fill or structures placed on
lands associated with the river will
affect the natural storage capacity of
the river floodplain. This may present
a hazard , to life and property.
Increased erosion leads to sedimenta-
tion that affects water quality and
reduces the value of the river for fish
and wildlife.
If you are planning to undertake any
construction, place fill, or alter a water-
course, your first action should be to
contact the Conservation Authority.
The Authority staff will determine if
your property falls under regulation
and if so, they will explain the policies
affecting your development plans.
If your property is regulated, you will
need a permit to:
a) place or remove fill
b) undertake new construction of any
sort
c) renovate or add to existing structures
d) divert, dam, deepen or widen a water-
course
Remember that these regulations exist
'for your protection, as well as that of
your neighbours along the river.
Natural areas
Mapped
The M.V.C.A. resource mapping pro-
gram, designed to provide municipali-
ties with the locations of important
natural areas, continued in 1986 with
the mapping of Turnberry, East and
West Wawanosh and Maryborough
Townships.
Municipalities use the information
supplied by the Authority in the
development of their land use
continued on page 8