Spring comes to the Hamilton Harbour Watersheds

By March, the worst of the winter would be over. The snow would thaw, the rivers begin to run and the world would wake into itself again.
Not that year.
Winter hung in there, like an invalid refusing to die. Day after grey day the ice stayed hard; the world remained unfriendly and cold.”
― Neil Gaiman, Odd and the Frost Giants

The above quote pretty well sums up our situation here in the Hamilton Harbour watersheds. Following a very cold and snowy winter, spring has arrived. The presence of a polar vortex this winter has kept us in its frigid grip. In a changing climate we fully expect that extreme weather events will be the new norm. The question remains are we ready to deal with these events? 

This winter saw snow and ice accumulations in excess of the 30 year average for the month of February. Temperatures for January and February were 4 to 5 degrees colder. The ice storm in December kicked off winter and was very quickly followed by a number of significant snow storms. Snow has been on the ground since December and accumulation has risen to some of the highest we’ve seen in the Hamilton area. Lower winter temperatures have allowed for thicker ice formation in creeks and ponds, making the potential for ice jams and associated flooding a real concern.

With no January thaw this year, a spring melt will generate higher than normal flows in local streams and creeks. Also of concern this year is the remnant impact of the ice storm in December as trees and other vegetation that were broken and damaged during the ice storm are now washed into creeks and carried downstream. The potential for debris jams is high which in turn elevates the potential for flooding. 

This spring, temperatures have remained below normal and this has allowed for our runoff to local creeks to be more gradual. However there has been strong daytime melting and the power of water can be daunting and should never be underestimated.

Spring is the time of year when rivers and creeks are hard at work moving sediment and

water from the headwaters of their watersheds to the confluence with a larger river or lake. As water and sediment are transported along a stream corridor important work is being done to shape the bed and banks and this allows the creek to armour itself against erosion. Higher flows now mean that a creek can access its floodplain and create new life by providing excellent conditions (nutrients, moisture etc.) for various floodplain species to grow and thrive. There is a natural balance as creeks carry on this work.

 

As creeks empty into Cootes Paradise there is a calming effect as the water flow slows down and water levels rise and empty into Hamilton Harbour.

The contribution of surrounding watersheds via their creeks to Hamilton Harbour is enormous. Contributions include water, sediment, ice and debris. The Harbour reflects these contributions and the resulting conditions are what you see which starts with the spring freshet.

Happy Spring!

Hazel Breton

Manager of Water Resource Engineering

Hamilton Conservation Authority 

Snow please!

Winters like these are few and far between and I can’t quite remember having as much snow in a winter since I was a kid.  I have to say, it’s awesome! I love living in Southern Ontario and experiencing the great outdoors in all four seasons.

If given the choice, I’d much rather have a winter with snow than without – maybe  because apartment living means no shoveling, but maybe it’s because there’s nothing quite like seeing the trees with a fresh coating of snow and feeling as if someone has just shaken up the snow globe. A winter with snow allows for some pretty awesome winter sport opportunities.

Working within the heart of the Dundas Valley, lunchtime hikes are a regular occurrence (I know –I’m lucky!). It’s amazing how a quick 15 or 20 minute hike can clear your head and not to mention, burn a few calories! I love hiking in the winter, seeing all the fresh tracks and figuring out what wildlife has recently trekked through the same spot - sweating less is a bonus too!

I even tried cross country skiing this year for the first time after a little (or a lot) of convincing. Having only downhill skied in the past, I couldn’t understand why anyone would want to just glide around but hitting the trails at Christie Lake helped me realize what all the hype was about. I fell over a few times, had some good laughs and a ton of fun.

I’m looking forward to having my first ice fishing experience at Valens Lake next month for the Ice Fishing Derby. Maybe I’ll even catch a big one and you can look forward to reading my next blog on that time I caught a fish that was thiiiiiiis big!

Having so many winter sports waiting at your doorstep, there’s no need to bundle up and hibernate all winter (well ok maybe just on those -40C…or even -30C days). Whether it’s a hike, skiing, snowshoeing or even fishing, you better hurry up and get outside before all that white stuff melts away…

Brittany Berlinghoff

Hamilton Conservation Authority

Now that winter has arrived...Let's go Camping!

The stillness of the park, the whisper of the wind and NO BUGS - just some of the draws for winter camping.   It is a special type of camper that you need to be, a lover of the outdoors.  You need to be prepared to face some pretty cold nights, but with the right gear and the right knowledge, it can be an awesome experience.

Winter camping is not just for the “big rig” type of camper with a home on wheels that has a gas fire place, heat and a queen size bed.  Even those in a tent or even hanging in a hammock come out during the colder months to enjoy a campfire.  There is something about a campfire in the winter.  Not only does it bring some added warmth, it just makes the experience that much more enjoyable. 

I haven’t been a “warrior” like the ones we get at Valens Conservation Area, but I have enjoyed a weekend of the white stuff while staying in a yurt (a canvas type cabin with electricity and heat) up in Algonquin Park.  The peacefulness of camping during this season is something worth experiencing.  You won’t find many others out, and those that you do find enjoying the winter wonders, are the friendliest people you will ever meet.  And the calm nights allow you to hear the howls of the coyotes.   I’ve enjoyed the days with some bird seed in my hand and the winter birds will come by (chickadees, nuthatches) and eat right out of my palm.  A suet block will bring by some of the woodpeckers (red bellied, hairy and downy).  You can’t get this close to these birds during the summer months when they are scared off by quick movements and the busy-ness of the campground.   

I’ve spent the majority of the day exploring trails and the many tracks in the snow left by deer, rabbit, fox and others.  At the end of the day, it is so relaxing to sit by the fire and cook up a nice steak and baked potato, right on the campfire.  I don’t know if it is from being outside all day and starving or having dinner cooked on an open fire that makes it so delicious...mmm

Valens, sees on average a dozen or so “winter warriors” that will come out for a weekend camp during the winter.  The park has a different beauty than what you see in the summer.  The snow seems a little whiter, thicker and softer and the visitors practically get the park to themselves.  You can explore the trails on foot, ski or snowshoe. Typically Valens boasts a great spot to strap on a pair of skates or try your hand at ice fishing, however with the winter of 2012, the lake has yet to see"safe" ice. 

I think Valens is a perfect winter get away from the busy city - a peaceful retreat to allow for our batteries to recharge for the upcoming week ahead.  We hope to see you out this winter to experience for yourself how special and different camping can be during the colder months.  

Joanna Sanche

Assistant Superintendent

Valens Conservation Area