WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT – FLOOD OUTLOOK - March 27, 2025

WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT – FLOOD OUTLOOK
DATE: March 27, 2025
TIME: 11:30AM

Message sent on the basis of information received from:

• 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 Watershed Conditions Statement – Flood Outlook for Thursday March 27, 2025, until 4:00 pm Monday, March 31, 2025.

Environment and Climate Change Canada advises that a significant amount of precipitation is forecast to arrive in southern Ontario starting Friday and continuing into Monday afternoon, with expected amounts ranging from 40-60 mm over the duration of the event.

In areas of our watershed with remaining snowpack, this prolonged precipitation event could increase snowmelt resulting in additional runoff. Water levels in streams, rivers and lakes are expected to rise. Lakes across our watershed continue to see declining ice cover, and areas with moving water may experience blockages or ice jams, particularly near culverts and bridges.

While widespread flooding is not expected, localized flooding and water pooling may occur in low-lying areas. Rivers and streams will experience strong currents and rising water levels. Kawartha Conservation strongly advises residents to stay away from all watercourses. Water structures such as bridges, culverts, and dams will become slippery, unstable, and hazardous during this time.

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).

Kawartha Conservation continues to closely monitor the weather and watershed conditions while assessing the potential flood risk.  We remain in close communication with our partner agencies, including the Trent-Severn Waterway, Ministry of Natural Resources – Surface Water Monitoring Centre, and neighboring Conservation.

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 Watershed Conditions Statement-Flood Outlook will be in effect until 4:00 pm Monday, March 31, 2025, and will be updated or removed as required.

Nathan Rajevski
Watershed Resource Technician

Nancy Aspden
Director, Integrated Watershed Management

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.