Watershed Conditions Statement - Flood Outlook - July 15, 2024

July 15, 2024

Based on information received 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 Outlook, for Monday and Tuesday, July 15 and 16.

WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT – FLOOD OUTLOOK
DATE: July 15, 2024
TIME: 1:00 pm

Message sent on the basis of information received from:

Severe thunderstorms are forecast to arrive in the Kawartha Conservation watershed this afternoon, July 15th through tomorrow July 16th, with the potential of strong wind gusts, large hail and heavy rainfall. The air temperature is expected to stay around 20 to 28, with daytime temperatures of 28°C and 26°C on Monday and Tuesday, respectively.

Currently, the weather conditions are favorable for the development of severe thunderstorms, with a risk of 15-20mm of rainfall in general. Some local areas such as Fenelon Falls may observe wind gusts up to 90 km/h, nickel sized hail and receive up to 30 to 50 mm of rain today and tomorrow.

Flows and water levels across the Kawartha Conservation watershed are slightly higher than the normal seasonal range due to sustained and elevated inflows from the Haliburton area and the rainfall received in the past weeks. The forecasted rainfall will likely result in higher water levels and flows in creeks, rivers, streams, and lakes in the next couple of days. Small watercourses will be quick to respond, while larger rivers will take longer to start rising.

Widespread flooding is not anticipated, however heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling. In addition, fast flowing water and flooding in low-lying areas, natural floodplains, and areas with poor drainage is possible within the Kawartha Conservation jurisdiction.

All watercourses have the potential to be dangerous during extensive heavy rain. Riverbanks are to be saturated and slippery and areas with moving water may be unsafe. Therefore, Kawartha Conservation is warning all residents to stay a safe distance from all streams and rivers, as well as water structures such as bridges, culverts, and dams. Children should be warned of the dangerous conditions and supervised while outside.

Municipalities are advised to monitor areas known for 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 the first to respond to and assist with flood emergencies.

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).

Additional information from the TSW is available at the Water Management InfoNet web page.

This Watershed Condition Statement – Flood Outlook will be in effect through Tuesday July 16, 2024.
Kawartha Conservation will continue monitoring the weather and watershed conditions closely and assessing the flood hazard. We are in close communication with partner agencies such as the Trent Severn Waterway, Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR), and neighboring Conservation Authorities during all flood situations.

If you are aware of or have concerns about flooding, please contact Kawartha Conservation at 705.328.2271x219 or 705.344.0155 after hours.

Yan Shao
Water Resources Engineer

Kristie Virgoe
Director Stewardship & Conservation Lands

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.

Kawartha Conservation
277 Kenrei Road
Lindsay, ON K9V 4R1
Tel: 705.328.2271
Fax: 705.328.2286