Watershed Conditions Statement - Flood Watch - April 4

A Flood Watch is now in effect for the Kawartha Conservation watershed jurisdiction.

No widespread flooding is expected; however, flooding in low-lying areas, areas adjacent to streams and road ditches may occur. Smaller watercourses may reach or overtop their banks. Ponding of water on urban surfaces may occur as storm sewer systems can become overwhelmed by high runoff. 

WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT – FLOOD WATCH 

DATE:                  April 4, 2023
TIME:                  1:15 pm

Message sent based on information received from:

• Kawartha Conservation monitoring network
• Surface Water Monitoring Centre - Ministry of Northern Development, Natural Resources and Forestry
• Environment and Climate Change Canada
• Trent-Severn Waterway

A Flood Watch is now in effect for the Kawartha Conservation watershed jurisdiction.

A Provincial Flood Watch was issued for Southern Ontario by the Surface Water Monitoring Centre of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry on April 3, 2023, at 3:00 p.m.

On Wednesday April 5, a Colorado low is expected to enter the Province of Ontario bringing up to 30 mm of mixed precipitation and warmer temperatures to the Kawartha Region.

Water levels in local rivers and streams started rising in response to the runoff produced by the recent rainfall over the past weekend, and as observed this morning, the water levels and flows in local watercourses remain elevated. There is still a considerable snowpack in the watersheds to the north of the Kawartha Region which is expected to melt, and combined with the rainfall, will contribute to higher water levels in the Kawartha Region.

No flooding concerns have been reported at this time, however, pooling water in low-lying areas, ditches, and areas with poor drainage, has been observed. Residents in the Mariposa, Gull and Burnt River Watersheds as well as those that are in low-lying flood prone areas are advised to monitor conditions.

No widespread flooding is expected; however, flooding in low-lying areas, areas adjacent to streams and road ditches may occur. Smaller watercourses may reach or overtop their banks. Ponding of water on urban surfaces may occur as storm sewer systems can become overwhelmed by high runoff. 

Under these watershed conditions, all local watercourses should be considered 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. 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.

This Flood Watch will be in effect until Monday, April 10.

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.          

Rob Stavinga
Watershed Resources Technician

Nancy Aspden
Acting Manager, 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)