Watershed Conditions Statement - Flood Watch - March 31 to April 3, 2025

Kawartha Lakes - Kawartha Conservation is issuing a Watershed Conditions Statement – Flood Watch for Monday March 31, 2025 until 12pm on Thursday April 3, 2025.

Kawartha Conservation Watershed
Watershed Conditions Statement – Flood Watch
Date: Monday March 31, 2025
Time: 2:30pm

Message sent based on information received from:

• Kawartha Conservation Flood Forecasting Network
• Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry - Surface Water Monitoring Centre
• Environment and Climate Change Canada

Based on information from Environment and Climate Change Canada and the Ministry of Natural Resources – Surface Water Monitoring Centre, Kawartha Conservation is issuing a Watershed Conditions Statement – Flood Watch for Monday March 31, 2025, until 12pm on Thursday April 3, 2025.

Water levels in streams and rivers are elevated following a significant precipitation event over the weekend. Lakes are approaching or have reached capacity and will continue to rise in the upcoming days. Lakes across our watershed continue to see declining ice cover, and areas with moving water may experience blockages or ice jams, particularly near culverts and bridges.

Environment and Climate Change Canada advises that a significant amount of precipitation is forecast to arrive in southern Ontario starting Wednesday and continuing into Thursday morning, with expected amounts ranging from 30 to 40mm over the duration of the event.

While widespread flooding is not expected, localized flooding and water pooling may occur in low-lying areas. Rivers and streams will experience strong currents and rising water levels. Kawartha Conservation strongly advises residents to stay away from all watercourses. Water structures such as bridges, culverts, and dams will become slippery, unstable, and hazardous during this time.

Northern tributaries, such as the Burnt River and Gull River are monitored by staff from the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR). Residents along these two rivers are requested to direct any questions concerning water levels to the Minden Area office at 705-286-1521 or refer to the messages issued by the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR).

Kawartha Conservation continues to closely monitor the weather and watershed conditions while assessing the potential flood risk.  We remain in close communication with our partner agencies, including the Trent-Severn Waterway, Ministry of Natural Resources – Surface Water Monitoring Centre, and neighboring Conservation.

We will continue advising the watershed residents, local municipalities, and partner agencies, about the situation using the Kawartha Conservation website, media outlets, and social media. You can subscribe to receive the Kawartha Conservation flood messages.

If you are aware of or have concerns about flooding, please contact Kawartha Conservation at 705-328-2271 or 705-344-0155 after hours.

This Watershed Conditions Statement-Flood Watch will be in effect from Monday March 31 at 2:30pm until 12pm on Thursday April 3 and will be updated or removed as required.

Watershed Conditions Statement – Flood Watch is an early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts calling for heavy rain, snow melt, high wind or conditions that could lead to high runoff, cause ice jams, lakeshore flooding or erosion.