Flood and Low Water Messages- FRONT PAGE (10)
WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT - WATER SAFETY
After an unseasonably warm and dry weekend, a low-pressure system is moving through southern Ontario, including the Kawartha Conservation watershed. Between 5 and 12 mm of rain has already been recorded across the watershed, with additional 5 to 7 mm expected by the end of the day.
WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT - WATER SAFETY
DATE: March 10, 2020
TIME: 11:45 am
Message sent on the basis of information received from:
- Kawartha Conservation Monitoring Network
- Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry - Surface Water Monitoring Centre
- Environment and Climate Change Canada
- Trent Severn Waterway
After an unseasonably warm and dry weekend, a low-pressure system is moving through southern Ontario, including the Kawartha Conservation watershed. Between 5 and 12 mm of rain has already been recorded across the watershed, with additional 5 to 7 mm expected by the end of the day.
Snow cover around the watershed has started melting as the air temperature has stayed well above freezing mark over the last 48 hours, producing a moderate runoff. Additional runoff is being generated as the rain proceeds.
Under this weather condition water levels in local rivers and streams have started responding. A moderate increase in water levels has been observed. Water accumulation in low-laying areas, road ditches and areas of poor or blocked drainage can be expected. However, no flooding problems are anticipated at this time.
Rain will move out of the Kawartha region by this evening; air temperature is forecast to go below the freezing mark again. Nevertheless, local rivers and streams will continue flowing at elevated water levels and velocities, responding to the runoff received.
Therefore, all local rivers, streams, ditches and lakes should be considered extremely dangerous. Riverbanks are slippery, unsafe and could be undercut. Stream currents are strong and temperatures dangerously cold. Ice cover, where it exists, is extremely unsafe.
Kawartha Conservation is warning all residents to stay away from water bodies, as well as water structures such as bridges, culverts, and dams. Children should be warned of dangerous conditions and caregivers should maintain a close watch on children who are outside.
This Watershed Conditions Statement-Water Safety will be in effect or updated before Friday March 13th, 2020.
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.
Iryna Shulyarenko Emma Collyer
Hydrologist Director, Integrated Watershed Management
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 bankfull levels, when ice conditions are unsafe, or when stream banks are icy, soft and/or slippery.
WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT - WATER SAFETY - ENDED
APRIL 4, 2019 - While there are currently no active flood messages in place for our area, it is important to exercise caution around ALL waterbodies, creeks, streams and water structures such as culvers, bridges and dams. Ground is still saturated, what makes riverbanks and shorelines extremely soft and unsafe. As weather forecast predicts some rain, those conditions will continue.
Kawartha Conservation will continue monitoring local watercourses and notify the public and municipalities within its watershed jurisdiction of any changes.
WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT - WATER SAFETY
DATE: April 1, 2019
TIME: 10:00 a.m.
Message sent on the basis of information received from:
- Kawartha Conservation Flood Forecasting Network
- Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry - Surface Water Monitoring Centre
- Environment Canada
- Trent Severn Waterway
Kawartha Conservation advises that the Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety is extended until Thursday, April 4th 2019.
The low pressure system that has passed the region on Saturday-Sunday has brought rain and of snow. Up to 20 mm of rain was recorded by the gauges throughout the watershed. Snow cover has re-established; up to 11 cm of heavy snow has been reported.
Water levels and flows in local watercourses have increased in response to the runoff from rain. With temperatures warming up to more seasonal this week, the existing snow cover will be melting, sustaining the elevated levels and fast flows. No flooding problems are anticipated at this time.
Nevertheless, all local rivers, streams, ditches and lakes are continued to be extremely dangerous. Riverbanks are slippery, unsafe and could be undercut. Stream currents are strong and temperatures dangerously cold. Kawartha Conservation is warning all residents to stay away from water bodies, as well as water structures such as bridges, culverts, and dams. Children should be warned of dangerous conditions and caregivers should maintain a close watch on children who are outside.
This Watershed Conditions Statement-Water Safety will be in effect through to midday Thursday April 4th, 2019.
Kawartha Conservation will continue monitoring local watercourses and notify the public and municipalities within its watershed jurisdiction of any changes. We are in close communication with partner agencies such as the Trent Severn Waterway, Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, and neighbouring Conservation Authorities as to the current situation. If you are aware of or have concerns about flooding, please contact Kawartha Conservation at 705.328.2271 or 705.344.0155 after hours.
Iryna Shulyarenko Emma Collyer
Hydrologist Director, Integrated Watershed Management
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 bankfull levels, when ice conditions are unsafe, or when stream banks are icy, soft and/or slippery.
WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT – WATER SAFETY
A WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT – WATER SAFETY is now in effect.
High water levels in watercourses throughout the Kawartha Conservation watershed, caused by warm air temperatures and precipitation in the past week are slowly declining. No imminent risk of flooding exists at this time.
FLOOD WATCH – CANCELLED 
WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT – WATER SAFETY
DATE: March 18, 2019
TIME: 12:30 pm
Message sent on the basis of information received from:
• Kawartha Conservation Flood Forecasting Network
• Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry - Surface Water Monitoring Centre
• Environment Canada
• Trent-Severn Waterway
A FLOOD WATCH is cancelled for the Kawartha Conservation watershed jurisdiction.
A WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT – WATER SAFETY is now in effect.
High water levels in watercourses throughout the Kawartha Conservation watershed, caused by warm air temperatures and precipitation in the past week are slowly declining. No imminent risk of flooding exists at this time.
While flooding is not expected, local watercourses are still dangerous. Flows and stream velocities are elevated; ice cover where it still exists is weak and unstable. Kawartha Conservation is warning all residents to stay a safe distance from all water bodies, as well as water structures such as bridges, culverts, and dams. Shorelines and banks are slippery and may be undercut. Children should be warned of dangerous conditions and caregivers should maintain a close watch on children who are outside.
This Watershed Condition Statement – Water Safety will be in effect through Wednesday, March 21st, 2019.
Kawartha Conservation will continue monitoring local watercourses and notify the public and municipalities within its watershed jurisdiction of any changes. We are in close communication with partner agencies such as the Trent Severn Waterway, Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, and neighbouring Conservation Authorities as to the current situation.
If you are aware of or have concerns about flooding, please contact Kawartha Conservation at 705.328.2271 or 705.344.0155 after hours.
Iryna Shulyarenko Emma Collyer
Hydrologist Director, Integrated Watershed Management
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 bankfull levels, when ice conditions are unsafe, or when stream banks are icy, soft and/or slippery.
FLOOD WATCH
A FLOOD WATCH is now in effect for the Kawartha Conservation watershed jurisdiction.
A series of rain showers and thunderstorms have passed through southern Ontario, including the Kawartha Conservation watershed, over the last 24 hours. Rain gauges across the watershed have recorded 5 to 15 mm of precipitation. Air temperature has reached as high 10°C, creating favourable conditions for snowmelt.
FLOOD WATCH
DATE: March 15, 2019
TIME: 9:00 am
Message sent on the basis of information received from:
• Kawartha Conservation Flood Forecasting Network
• Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry - Surface Water Monitoring Centre
• Environment Canada
• Trent-Severn Waterway
A FLOOD WATCH is now in effect for the Kawartha Conservation watershed jurisdiction.
A series of rain showers and thunderstorms have passed through southern Ontario, including the Kawartha Conservation watershed, over the last 24 hours. Rain gauges across the watershed have recorded 5 to 15 mm of precipitation. Air temperature has reached as high 10°C, creating favourable conditions for snowmelt.
Precipitation, combined with snowmelt and frozen ground conditions are resulting in significant runoff. Water levels in local rivers and streams are currently rapidly increasing or peaking and exceeding their bankfull conditions in multiple locations. Smaller steams are responding faster, while it takes longer for larger watercourses to react.
In these watershed conditions all local watercourses run very high and fast. Flooding in low lying areas, areas adjacent to streams and road ditches has been observed. Surface water roads flooding may occur. Ponding of water on urban surfaces may occur as storm sewer systems can become overwhelmed by high runoff or clogged with snow, ice and debris. Rapid deterioration of the ice cover on local rivers and streams has been observed.
As precipitation moves out of the region later today and air temperature returning back to below freezing mark, it is expected that water levels will stabilize and start declining.
Under these watershed conditions all local watercourses should be considered extremely dangerous. Kawartha Conservation is warning all residents to stay away from all water bodies, as well as water structures such as bridges, culverts, and dams. Riverbanks are slippery and unsafe; ice cover where it exists is unstable and hazardous. Children should be warned of dangerous conditions and caregivers should maintain a close watch on children who are outside.
Municipalities are advised to monitor areas known for flooding and be prepared to respond to high water situations as they occur. As local municipalities are first to respond to and assist with flood emergencies, residents are advised to contact their municipalities should a flood threat develop.
Trent-Severn Waterway officials are closely watching this current situation and will be adjusting dam settings throughout the system when the situation warrants. Staff from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry are monitoring water levels of the Burnt and Gull rivers.
Burnt and Gull River levels 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 office at 705-286-5207, or refer to the City of Kawartha Lakes website below for additional information: www.kawarthalakes.ca/flood.
For assistance in the event of a flood, and sandbag requests, please call your municipality
This Flood Watch will be in effect until Monday, March 19th, 2019. Kawartha Conservation will continue monitoring water levels and watershed conditions 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.
Iryna Shulyarenko Emma Collyer
Hydrologist Director, Integrated Watershed Management
A Flood Watch is a notice that flooding is possible in specific watercourses or municipalities.
Municipalities, emergency services, and individual landowners in flood-prone areas should prepare. Responses to flood events are handled by Municipal emergency services.
Flood Forecasting services for the Burnt and Gull Rivers watersheds is provided by Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, Minden Office (tel. 705-286-5207)
WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT – FLOOD OUTLOOK
Kawartha Conservation advises that warmer weather accompanied by rainfall is expected to begin to move through the watershed on Wednesday, March 13th through Friday, March 15th. This weather system is expected to bring temperatures well above seasonal values.
WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT – FLOOD OUTLOOK
DATE: March 13, 2018
TIME: 3:30 p.m.
Message sent on the basis of information received from:
• Kawartha Conservation Flood Forecasting Network
• Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry – Surface Water Monitoring Centre
• Environment Canada
• Ontario Waterway
Kawartha Conservation advises that warmer weather accompanied by rainfall is expected to begin to move through the watershed on Wednesday, March 13th through Friday, March 15th. This weather system is expected to bring temperatures well above seasonal values with daytime highs climbing upwards of +10 degrees by Thursday afternoon. Above zero temperatures are forecast for overnight Thursday and daytime highs climbing to upwards of +10 degrees on Friday. In addition, rainfall amounts over 10mm are predicted on Thursday.
Currently, portions of the watershed have a considerable snow pack. Due to the duration of the expected thaw, a significant reduction of this snow pack will occur. The expected rainfall coupled with the amount of ice and snow in storm drainage systems will increase the potential for blockage and ice jams, especially in the vicinity of culverts and bridges. This may result in localized flooding in some areas.
Under expected watershed conditions, all local rivers, streams, and lakes should be considered extremely dangerous. Riverbanks will be slippery and unsafe; any remaining ice cover is unstable and hazardous. Kawartha Conservation is warning all residents to stay away from water bodies, as well as water structures such as bridges, culverts, and dams. Children should be warned of dangerous conditions and caregivers should maintain a close watch on children who are outside.
Municipalities are advised to monitor areas known for minor flooding and be prepared to respond to high water situations as they occur. Residents are advised to contact their municipalities should a flood threat develop. Local municipalities are first to respond to and assist with flood emergencies.
Kawartha Conservation will continue monitoring local watercourses and notify the public and municipalities within its watershed jurisdiction of any changes. We are in close communication with partner agencies such as the Trent Severn Waterway, Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, and neighbouring Conservation Authorities on this upcoming situation.
Burnt and Gull River levels 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 office at 705-286-5207.
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 Outlook will be in effect through Saturday, March 16th, 2019.
Emma Collyer Mark Majchrowski
Director, Integrated Watershed Management CAO
Watershed Conditions Statement – Flood Outlook 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.
FLOOD WARNING - CANCELLED
A FLOOD WARNING is cancelled for the Kawartha Conservation watershed jurisdiction.
Water levels and flows at watercourses throughout the Kawartha Conservation watershed are currently receding. As the majority of the snow cover has melted and no significant precipitation in the forecast, the receding trend is expected to continue.
FLOOD WARNING – CANCELLED
WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT – WATER SAFETY
DATE: February 23, 2018
TIME: 11:30 pm
Message sent on the basis of information received from:
• Kawartha Conservation Flood Forecasting Network
• Environment Canada
• Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry - Surface Water Monitoring Centre
• Trent-Severn Waterway
A FLOOD WARNING is cancelled for the Kawartha Conservation watershed jurisdiction.
A WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT – WATER SAFETY is now in effect.
Water levels and flows at watercourses throughout the Kawartha Conservation watershed are currently receding. As the majority of the snow cover has melted and no significant precipitation in the forecast, the receding trend is expected to continue.
The public is reminded to exercise caution around all water bodies as water levels are high and water courses continue running at higher than normal velocities. Children should be warned of hazards associated with water and water structures and caregivers should maintain a close watch on children who are outside.
Trent-Severn Waterway officials are monitoring the situation closely and are prepared to adjust flows through water control structures as required.
Burnt and Gull River levels 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 office at 705-286-5207.
This Flood Watch-Kawartha Conservation Watershed will be in effect through Monday, February 26th, 2018.
Kawartha Conservation will continue monitoring water levels and watershed conditions 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.
Iryna Shulyarenko Dave Pridham
Hydrologist Manager, Technical Services
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 bankfull levels, when ice conditions are unsafe, or when stream banks are icy, soft and/or slippery.
WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT – FLOOD OUTLOOK
Environment Canada is forecasting mild weather and persistent rain for southern Ontario, including the Kawartha Conservation watershed, starting Monday afternoon into Wednesday. Between the start of rain on Monday afternoon to the tapering off precipitation as the system moves out of the area on Wednesday, accumulated rain amounts could reach over 45 mm for the watershed area.
WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT – FLOOD OUTLOOK
DATE: February 18, 2018
TIME: 12:00 p.m.
Message sent on the basis of information received from:
Kawartha Conservation Flood Forecasting Network
Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry – Surface Water Monitoring Centre
Environment Canada
Environment Canada is forecasting mild weather and persistent rain for southern Ontario, including the Kawartha Conservation watershed, starting Monday afternoon into Wednesday. Between the start of rain on Monday afternoon to the tapering off precipitation as the system moves out of the area on Wednesday, accumulated rain amounts could reach over 45 mm for the watershed area.
Temperatures are expected to climb above freezing on Monday and peak on Tuesday when the daytime high could reach 11°C within the Kawartha Lakes region. Overnight lows are predicted to remain above freezing for the entire three-day period. It is estimated that the accumulated snowpack could melt entirely by Wednesday morning, contributing to the run off from rain. Up to 40 mm of water equivalent is present in the existing snowpack within the watershed as determined by the snow survey of Feb 15th.
At this time, rivers and streams within the Kawartha Conservation watershed are flowing in the normal range for this time of year. A majority of the watercourses are frozen.
Forecast precipitation and associated snowmelt will produce significant run off and high water levels and velocities in local watercourses. Ice breakup due to rapid increase of water flows, along with the potential for ice jam formation and related flooding on some watercourses can be expected. It is anticipated that water accumulation will occur in low-lying areas, road ditches, and areas with poor drainage. Rivers and streams may reach or exceed in some locations, their bankfull conditions. Smaller steams will react fast, while it takes longer for larger watercourses to respond.
Under expected watershed conditions all local rivers, streams, and lakes should be considered extremely dangerous. Riverbanks are slippery and unsafe; ice cover may become unstable and hazardous. Kawartha Conservation is warning all residents to stay away from water bodies, as well as water structures such as bridges, culverts, and dams. Children should be warned of dangerous conditions and caregivers should maintain a close watch on children who are outside.
Municipalities are advised to monitor areas known for minor flooding and be prepared to respond to high water situations as they occur. Residents are advised to contact their municipalities should a flood threat develop. Local municipalities are first to respond to and assist with flood emergencies.
This Watershed Conditions Statement-Flood Outlook will be in effect through Wednesday, Feb 21st, 2018.
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.
Iryna Shulyarenko Dave Pridham
Hydrologist Manager, Technical Services