Website Feedback

MNRF issues Watershed Conditions Statement - Water Safety for April 21 to April 28

Province of Ontario Logo

Province of Ontario Logo

Kawartha Lakes - The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) Bracebridge Minden Parry Sound District is advising area residents that a Watershed Conditions Statement - Water Safety bulletin is in effect in the district until Friday April 28, 2023. This message will effect residents within the MNRF Bracebridge Minden Parry Sound District for portions of the District of Parry Sound, District of Muskoka and City of Kawartha Lakes within the Black, Burnt, Gull and Magnetawan River Watersheds.

Runoff to local lakes and rivers has declined to more normal rates for this time of year.

Lower-lying portions of known flood-prone areas may still be impacted to various degrees as lake/river levels remain close to their normal springtime highs.

Be cautious if traveling on local waterways. Boat traffic during high water conditions can cause damage to shorelines and to shoreline property with vessel wakes.

With rain, warmer temperatures and melting snow, banks and shorelines adjacent to water bodies can be extremely slippery and unstable. Residents and visitors should exercise caution while around waterbodies and maintain close supervision of children and pets.

MNRF also advises extreme caution when using forest access roads for outdoor activities as they may become seasonally inundated with water, are prone to washouts and may become impassible due to localized flooding.

Residents that have been affected by high water and flow conditions in the past should continue take necessary action to protect/secure any vulnerable property in proximity to rivers and lakes and closely monitor developing conditions and regularly check for updated messages.

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

Technical Information

Description of Weather System

Environment Canada has issued a Special Weather Statement for 15 to 30mm of rain by April 23.

Description of Current Conditions

Lake water levels are generally within their normal ranges for this time of year and are stable or declining. River flows are expected to continue to decrease over the next several weeks.

Rainfall is not anticipated to have significant impacts within this bulletin area.

Lower-lying portions of known flood-prone areas such as Doe Lake near Katrine may continue to be impacted to various degrees as lake/river levels rise over the next week.

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

Definitions

  • Watershed Conditions Statement - Water Safety (April 21 to April 28): 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: flooding is imminent or occurring within specific watercourses and municipalities.

Learn More


Contact Information:
Water Management Department, Parry Sound District Office
Website: www.ontario.ca/mnrf
Phone: 705-645-8747
Email: watermanagement.psdistrict@ontario.ca

Contact Us