Watershed Conditions Statement - Water Safety - April 11, 2024

Based on information received from Environment Canada and Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry - Surface Water Monitoring Centre, Kawartha Conservation is issuing a Watershed Conditions Statement for the coming days, April 11th – 23rd.

Message sent based on information received from:

• Kawartha Conservation Flood Forecasting Network
• Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry - Surface Water Monitoring Centre 
• Environment Canada

Based on information received from Environment Canada and Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry - Surface Water Monitoring Centre, Kawartha Conservation is issuing a Watershed Conditions Statement for the coming days, April 11th – 23rd.

A strong low-pressure system (“Texas Low”) is moving across the province Thursday through Friday, bringing a significant amount of rainfall 20-40 mm across our watershed. Forecast is predicting possible thunderstorms in some areas and these areas could see higher amounts of precipitation up to 50mm.   Lingering rain events are anticipated to continue into next week. 

At this time across Kawartha Conservation watershed, water flows and levels are within normal standards for this time of the year. Heavy downpours combined with increased runoff from saturated soil conditions will likely result in elevated water levels in creeks, rivers, streams and lakes within our jurisdiction in the coming week. Widespread flooding is not anticipated. However heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads. 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 rain and strong wind with wind gusts up to 80 km/h. Riverbanks are 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.

Northern tributaries, such as the Burnt River and Gull River 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 Area office at 705-286-5207 or refer to the messages issued by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF).

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

This Watershed Condition Statement – Water Safety will be in effect through Tuesday April 23rd, 2024.  

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 during all flood situations.

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

Yan Shao
Water Resources Engineer

Nancy Aspden
Acting 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 bank full levels, when ice conditions are unsafe, or when stream banks are icy, soft and/or slippery.