FLOOD WATCH - March 17, 2025

• Kawartha Conservation Flood Forecasting network
• Ministry of Natural Resources - 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 Flood Watch for Monday, March 17, 2025, through the end of day Wednesday, March 19, 2025. 

Portions of the Kawartha Conservation watershed received significant rainfall over the weekend, along with above-seasonal temperatures. The forecast for the upcoming week suggests daytime temperatures will continue to range from 5 to 10 degrees, with light showers starting Wednesday evening through Thursday evening.  

Under these conditions, streams, rivers and lakes should be considered extremely dangerous. Water levels will continue to rise in response to this increase in runoff. Water levels in local watercourses are elevated, but remain below critical capacity. Low-lying roads and ditches are currently experiencing flooding as water levels increase and runoff continues. Residents with waterfront properties should expect higher than normal water levels. Ice breakups along shorelines are expected as rising water levels and high winds will cause ice to become unstable. 

Kawartha Conservation is warning all residents to stay away from water bodies, as well as water structures such as bridges, culverts, and dams. Stream and riverbanks will be experiencing high flow rates and will have unstable and slippery banks. Children and pets should be supervised while outside and are advised to stay away from any waterbody. 

Municipalities are advised to continue monitoring known flood-prone areas and be prepared to respond if necessary. Residents should contact their municipality if flooding occurs, as local municipalities are the first responders to flood emergencies.

Kawartha Conservation is closely monitoring the weather and watershed conditions while assessing the potential flood risk. We remain in close communication with partner agencies, including the Trent-Severn Waterway, Ministry of Natural Resources – Surface Water Monitoring Centre, and neighboring Conservation Authorities during this event.

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 Flood Watch will be in effect until end of day Wednesday, March 19 at 11:59pm or will be updated or removed as required. 

Nathan Rajevski
Watershed Resource Technician