Significant spring thaw washes out roads and ditches

The Township of Clearview declared a significant weather event, as of 12:30 p.m. on March 11.

Director of public works Dan Perreault reported a significant number of calls were made to his department’s after-hours number lastweekend after the big melt.

He said Riverside Drive had to be closed for a few hours Saturday night when water was flowing over the roadway.

“Sunday proved to be a really challenging day,” Perreault told members of council during Monday’s meeting.

Because the majority of the eight to 10 feet of snow accumulated over the winter melted within one and a half days, the melt carved out some pretty significant crevices in the gravel shoulders and roadways, he said.

The washouts required the closure of several other roads, and prompted repair crews to respond.

Mayor Doug Measures noted that at that time every barrel pylon in the public works department’s arsenal was deployed.

It was noted that the break-up of the rivers spared the township from further grief but potholes remain a focus with a dedicated crew doing repairs across the township.

In anticipation of more rain, the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority (NVCA) has issued a flood watch, rating the flood potential as high and ice jam potential as moderate.
A watershed conditions statement issued Thursday states precipitation is expected into the weekend.

“Water levels are currently elevated as a result of heavy rainfall, warm temperatures, and snow melt. Up to 20 mm of rain is forecasted in the following 48-72 hours. Water may overflow banks and cause flooding in some areas. Widespread flooding is not anticipated at this time, but low-lying and flood-vulnerable areas may be impacted,” said the NVCA.

For updates, call 705-424-1479 or visit www.nvca.on.ca.

Trina Berlo photo: 15/16 Sideroad Nottawasaga remained closed late this week.