Ministry of Natural Resources has issued a Flood Warning for Black and Burnt River Watershed

The Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) – Bancroft Work Centre is advising area residents that a Flood Warning is in effect for the Black River and Burnt River watershed in the Peterborough Bancroft District until Friday April 11, 2025.

Residents should expect water levels to rise and river flows to increase through the April 5 to April 6 weekend and into the week of April 7 to April 11. Runoff into local lakes and rivers has increased significantly with recent rainfall, snow melt, and warm weather.

MNR advises residents to exercise extreme caution concerning ice conditions. No ice is safe ice. High water levels combined with a forecast for high winds has the potential to damage shoreline infrastructure due to moving ice. MNR also advises extreme caution when using forest access roads for outdoor activities as many are seasonally inundated with water, prone to washouts and may be impassible due to current water levels.

Residents and visitors should exercise caution while around waterbodies and maintain close supervision of children and pets.

Flood prone properties along the Burnt River and Black River that have been affected in the past should continue to take necessary action to protect and secure any vulnerable property.

The ministry is closely monitoring the weather and developing watershed conditions. Further updates will be issued as appropriate.

Technical Information

Description of Weather System

Black River and Burnt River Watershed:
Precipitation amounts of up to 40mm were recorded over the April 2 to April 3 period within these watersheds. Temperatures over the next seven days are expected to remain seasonal with daytime highs up to +12°C and nighttime lows down to -10°C.

Description of Current Conditions

Lake water levels are rising and river flows are increasing with recent precipitation and runoff. The melting snowpack within the watersheds is anticipated to contribute to increased runoff as a result of the recent precipitation and warmer daytime temperatures. Ice on local lakes and rivers is unsafe and is breaking up. High winds combined with high water levels have the potential to damage shoreline infrastructure due to moving ice.

Definitions

• Watershed Conditions Statement - Water Safety: indicates that high flows, melting ice or other factors could be dangerous for such users as boaters, anglers, and swimmers but flooding is not expected.
• Watershed Conditions Statement - Flood Outlook: gives early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts calling for heavy rain, snow melt, high winds, or other conditions.
• Shoreline Conditions Statement - Water Safety: indicates that along the Great Lakes shorelines high water melting ice or other factors could be dangerous but flooding is not expected.
• Shoreline Conditions Statement - Flood Outlook: gives early notice of the potential for flooding along the Great Lakes shorelines based on weather and lake conditions, and water safety information.
• Flood Watch - potential for flooding exists within specific watercourses and municipalities.
• Flood Warning (in effect until April 11, 2025) - flooding is imminent or occurring within specific watercourses and municipalities.

Learn More:

• Ontario Surface Water Monitoring Centre public webpage
• Environment Canada weather and bulletins
• A close watch on local conditions and weather forecasts from Environment and Climate Change Canada is recommended.

---

Contact Information
Website: www.ontario.ca/mnr