The Mighty Grand River
Having lived near the Grand River for the past few years, I’ve had the opportunity to witness her awesome power. She can deceive you, offering slow, meandering water over large flats that provide a calm place to set up and cast, but she can change her mood in a flash, and you had better be careful. With the Shand Dam controlling flows out of Belwood Lake on the Upper Grand, a wise person always checks the flows and dam discharge before hitting the water.
This past winter brought snowfall amounts that we haven’t witnessed in several years. Not even two weeks ago there were still seven-foot snowbanks in Grand Valley, the upper reach of the Grand River. Warm temperatures and rain have caused the snow to melt, and unleashed the fury of the Grand. By this past weekend there was flooding in several locations along the river, and the locals couldn’t help but head to the water and witness the power. It was incredible to see.
Looking down from the top of the Bissell Dam.
At the Drimmie Dam in Elora.
I’ve never seen white water like this in Elora.
The pictures do not do justice to how high the spray was.
Erosion in action.
This is outside of Inverhaugh at the 8th Line bridge. Normally there are two very distinct channels of the river – the main one, which would be at the very back of this picture, and a slower side channel. There’s normally a lot of land visible here. Good example of why floodplains should be left alone.
At the same bridge. You can see that the parking lot is under water. Several people were there to see the flooding. Even a police officer driving by had to stop in awe. None of us had ever seen this area under so much water.
Heading to West Montrose we stopped at this old wood bridge, a popular fishing area in the summer. The water was over the road on the far side of the bridge, and the field was fully submersed.
This picture was taken on April 14, 2014, a day after the previous pictures. You can see that the water continues to be high in Elora.
Another picture from April 14, 2014. Unfortunately, it won’t take much before the businesses start to flood.
With trout opener less than two weeks away, one has to wonder what sort of shape the Grand will be in for opening day. But more importantly, one has to hope that the water starts to recede before anymore damage is done to homes near the river. Water is such an impressive force.
argosgirl
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