Logo: Maitland Valley Conservation Authority
Port Albert will see a heightened risk of flooding and ice-related issues until mid-Spring.
The Maitland Valley Conservation Authority has issued a “Shoreline Conditions Statement” for the town, as Lake Huron continues at near-record levels.
In a news release, the MVCA says “the Lake Huron water level continues to be only 10 cm below the monthly record high for January and is 79 cm above the long-term January average.”
Issues related to ice and flooding are expected to plague the mouth of the Nine Mile River for the next several months, including:
Waves produced by strong northwest winds cause sand to accumulate at the mouth of the river and obstruct river flow
High river flows following rainfall or snowmelt may carry surface ice down the river causing ice jams to form
The temperature drops quickly when the river is not frozen. The combination of very cold temperatures and open water may lead to the formation of frazil ice that obstructs river flow.
When these conditions occur, the Apple Lane and Maple Lane areas may flood rapidly, which is expected to be an ongoing issue throughout the winter.
The Shoreline Conditions Statement will remain in effect until April 15, 2021 or until sufficient changes to local conditions warrant further updates.