Grand River Watershed Conditions Statement - Water Safety December 9 2025

Date and Time Issued: Wednesday, December 9, 2025, at 2:30 p.m.
Stay off frozen natural water bodies
The Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) is concerned about the use of frozen natural water bodies for on-ice activities such as skating and ice fishing. Recent cold temperatures and early-season snowfall have resulted in the formation of thin ice on local rivers, reservoirs, ponds, and lakes across the watershed. While ice may appear to be forming earlier than in previous years, ice conditions remain highly unstable, unpredictable, and unsafe for any type of recreation.

It is important to note that river systems, reservoirs, and water control structures experience fluctuating water levels and variable flows that prevent stable ice formation. While colder temperatures allow for some ice formation, daily changes in temperature, wind, precipitation and underwater currents greatly affect ice conditions. In many areas, snow cover can also insulate the ice surface, slowing the freezing process and creating hidden weak spots.

Public safety
The public is encouraged to exercise extreme caution around all local waterways and is strongly advised to stay off all ice at this time. Parents and caregivers are urged to keep children and pets away from shorelines and off frozen surfaces, as conditions can change quickly. Banks adjacent to rivers and creeks are very slippery and, when combined with cold, fast-moving water, pose a serious hazard. Recreational users near local waterways should be aware of the current conditions and exercise additional caution.

This message will remain in effect until 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 31, 2025.
For further information refer to GRCA’s website at www.grandriver.ca
For current river flow, refer to the “River Data” section.
For a more information on water safety, refer to the “Learn & Get Involved / Water Safety” section.