Ministry of Natural Resources has issued a Flood Outlook for Bracebridge Minden Parry Sound District

The Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) – Bracebridge-Minden-Parry Sound District is advising area residents that a Watershed Conditions Statement - Flood Outlook bulletin is in effect for portions of the District until Friday April 18, 2025.

This bulletin will affect residents within the MNR Bracebridge Minden Parry Sound District for portions of the District of Parry Sound within the Boyne, Burnt, French, Magnetawan, Pickerel, and Seguin River Watersheds.

Residents and those visiting the area are advised to be aware of current watershed conditions. Higher than normal water levels and flow conditions exist throughout the area and residents are reminded to keep a close watch on weather conditions, regularly check for updated messages, and exercise caution near fast-moving rivers and streams. 

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.

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.

Lower-lying portions of known flood-prone areas may be impacted to various degrees.

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

Minimum precipitation as snowfall and colder than normal temperatures over the past week has resulted in declining inflows to local watersheds. 

Temperatures over the next seven days are expected to remain seasonal with daytime highs up to +14°C and nighttime lows down to -5°C.

Description of Current Conditions

High water levels and river flows typical of spring freshet are anticipated in the areas covered by this bulletin. The melting snowpack within the watersheds is anticipated to contribute to increased runoff as a result of forecasted warmer daytime temperatures. Flooding is possible if additional rainfall is received.

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 (in effect until April 18, 2025): gives early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts calling for heavy rain, snow melt, high winds, or other conditions.
• 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:

• 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

Water Management Team, Bracebridge Minden Parry Sound District
Call: 705-645-8747
Email: watermanagement.psdistrict@ontario.ca
Website: www.ontario.ca/mnr