WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT – WATER SAFETY: August 7, 2023

Based on information received from the Surface Water Monitoring Centre of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry and Environment Canada, Kawartha Conservation is issuing a Watershed Conditions Statement for the week of August 7th - 11th.

Message sent based on information received from:

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

WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT – August 7th - 11th

Based on information received from the Surface Water Monitoring Centre of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry and Environment Canada, Kawartha Conservation is issuing a Watershed Conditions Statement for the week of August 7th - 11th.

A low-pressure system across entering southern Ontario this week is expected to include thunderstorms, bringing accumulated rainfall amounts of 20-30mm. The Kawartha Conservation jurisdiction has received above average rainfall for this time of year and low-lying areas could be susceptible to flooding, especially during intense rain events such as thunderstorms.

Widespread flooding is not anticipated, however water levels and flows in watercourses across the Kawartha Conservation jurisdiction, already higher than average, will rise over the next few days, resulting in higher volume and faster flowing water due to the extended period of precipitation.

All watercourses have the potential to be dangerous during extended rain events and  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. Riverbanks can be slippery during rain events, especially with snow and ice already on the ground, children should be warned of the dangerous conditions, and supervised while outside.

Northern tributaries, such as the Burnt 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) at https://www.ontario.ca/law-and-safety/flood-forecasting-and-warning-program .

Additional information from the TSW is available at the Water Management InfoNet web page https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/lhn-nhs/on/trentsevern/info/infonet.

This Watershed Condition Statement – Water Safety will be in effect through Friday August 11th , 2023.  

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.

Rob Stavinga 
Watershed Resources Technician

Nancy Aspden
Acting Manager 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.