Watershed Conditions Statement - Water Safety - April 2, 2024

Based on weather forecasting information from Environment Canada, Kawartha Conservation is issuing a Watershed Conditions Statement for the coming days, April 2nd - 12th.

Message sent based on information received from:

• Environment Canada

Based on weather forecasting information from Environment Canada, Kawartha Conservation is issuing a Watershed Conditions Statement for the coming days, April 2nd - 12th.

A Colorado low-pressure system will bring strong winds and a mixture of precipitation that will begin this afternoon (April 2nd) as rain and will transition to snow on Wednesday night. Local forecasts indicate that more than 40 mm of rain is anticipated, and as temperatures drop, an accumulation of 3-8 cm of snow may be observed Wednesday night into Thursday.

Currently, water flows and levels across Kawartha Conservation watershed are within normal standards for this time of the year. Due to this storm event, the mixed precipitation combined with increased runoff will result in elevated water levels in rivers and streams within our jurisdiction. Lakes, rivers and creeks will see a rise of water levels and water flows. Widespread flooding is not anticipated. However, 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, snow and strong wind with wind gusts up to 70 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 Friday, April 12, 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.