LSRCA Urges Caution as Ice Build Up, Melting Conditions and Elevated Flood Risks Increase Across the Watershed
Lake Simcoe watershed – March 5, 2026 – The Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority (LSRCA) is recommending that residents use extreme caution around all bodies of water as significant ice buildup, rapid melting, and early spring like temperatures create hazardous conditions throughout parts of the Lake Simcoe watershed. Families and pet owners are urged to keep a safe distance from shorelines, riverbanks, and any ice-covered areas.
Following a winter marked by substantial snowfall and considerable ice accumulation, the watershed now faces a rapid warmup that will accelerate melting. Forecasts call for temperatures to climb into the mid-teens over the next several days, accompanied by rain. This combination greatly increases the likelihood of ice jams, situations where thick, shifting ice becomes lodged in narrower sections of rivers or streams, blocking normal flow. When this occurs, water can rise quickly behind the jam, leading to localized flooding, bank erosion, and sudden changes in water levels.
As temperatures rise, meltwater combined with rainfall will elevate water levels in rivers, streams, and lakes across the watershed. Many waterbodies may still appear partially ice-covered, but this ice is now weakening, breaking up, and moving unpredictably, creating conditions in which jams can form and release with little warning. Even stable-looking areas can shift suddenly, posing risks for anyone nearby.
In addition to the flooding risk posed by ice jams, slippery and unstable streambanks and extreme cold-water temperatures significantly increase safety hazards. Ice that once appeared solid may now be hollow, fractured, or detached from shore.
LSRCA urges all residents, particularly those living near waterways, to remain diligent, stay updated on flooding messages at lsrca.on.ca, and keep family members and pets far from riverbanks, shorelines, and ice.
Spring Safety Reminders
Residents are urged to take precautions and stay safe during the spring melt:
- Check lsrca.on.ca for riverine and shoreline flooding messages.
- Keep children and pets far away from all waterways.
- Avoid recreation activities near ice jams, ice-covered rivers, and partially frozen waterbodies.
- Never walk on ice-covered waterbodies or drive through flooded roads or fastmoving water.
- Move outdoor items, such as chairs or benches, away from shorelines to prevent loss or damage during high water.
- Stay off riverbanks, which can become unstable due to snowmelt and erosion.
- If someone or a pet fall through the ice, do not try to rescue. Call 911 immediately.
The Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority’s Role in Reducing Flood Risk
The Conservation Authority works year-round to protect people and property by proactively reducing flood risks. We do this by:
- Regulating development in flood prone areas and key natural features such as wetlands, ensuring growth does not increase flood risk or harm watershed function.
- Maintaining a comprehensive flood forecasting and warning system, monitoring watershed conditions and weather, and issuing timely alerts to municipalities, emergency services, school boards, and other partners so communities can prepare and respond effectively.
Flood Preparedness Information
Residents can also take steps at home to reduce the risk of flooding caused by melting ice and overland water. Visit: Flood Preparedness
For more information, contact your local Conservation Authority.
- Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority (905) 895-1281
- Toronto and Region Conservation Authority(416) 661-6514
- Conservation Halton (905) 336-1158
- Credit Valley Conservation (905) 670-1615
- Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority (905) 579-0411
- Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority (905) 885-8173
- Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority (705) 424-1479
- Kawartha Conservation (705) 328-2271
Stay up to date on Lake Simcoe watershed conditions by following us on social media:
- Facebook - lakesimcoeconservation
- Instagram - @lakesimcoeconservation
- X – @LSRCA
- Media Room – https://lsrca.on.ca/index.php/about-us/media-room/
The Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority’s mission is to collaborate to protect and restore the Lake Simcoe watershed with innovative research, policy, and action.
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Media Contact:
Natasha O’Dell, Digital Brand Manager
E-Mail: n.o’dell@lsrca.on.ca
Mobile: 905-251-1449