Watershed Conditions Statement in effect from March 21 to March 27

Kawartha Lakes - A Watershed Conditions Statement is in effect from March 21 to March 27.

The first week of spring will bring a mix of snow and rain, with expected rainfall totalling 15 to 20 mm followed by cooler temperatures into the weekend and another 10 to 15 mm of snow and/or rainfall.

Kawartha Conservation Watershed
Date: Tuesday March 21, 2023
Time: 2:00pm             

Message sent based on information received from:

• Kawartha Conservation Flood Forecasting Network
• Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry - Surface Water Monitoring Centre
• Environment Canada
• Trent-Severn Waterway

Widespread flooding is not anticipated; however, a significant snowpack remains on the ground throughout the Kawartha Region and this snowpack, combined with warmer temperatures, is expected to increase water levels and flows in watercourses, and ponding of water in low lying areas, across the Kawartha Conservation jurisdiction.

At this time of year watercourses can be dangerous, and Kawartha Conservation is warning residents to stay a safe distance from all streams and rivers, as well as water structures such as bridges, culverts, and dams, and that ice conditions, particularly in areas of moving water, may be unsafe due to the warming temperatures. Riverbanks can be slippery, especially during rain events with snow and ice already on the ground. Children should be warned of the dangerous conditions, and supervised while outside.

Northern tributaries, such as the Burnt and Gull River are monitored by staff from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF). Residents along these two rivers are requested to direct any questions concerning water levels to the MNRF Minden Area office at 705-286-5207 or refer to the messages issued by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) at https://www.ontario.ca/law-and-safety/flood-forecasting-and-warning-program .

Additional information from the TSW is available at the Water Management InfoNet web page https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/lhn-nhs/on/trentsevern/info/infonet.

This Watershed Condition Statement – Water Safety will be in effect through Monday March 27, 2023.  

Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety is a general notice that existing or potential conditions pose a risk to personal safety. Watershed Conditions Statements - Water Safety may be issued when streams are flowing at or near bank full levels, when ice conditions are unsafe, or when streambanks are icy, soft and/or slippery.

Kawartha Conservation will continue monitoring local watercourses and notify the public and municipalities within its watershed jurisdiction of any changes. 

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