Watershed Conditions Statement - Water Safety - December 23, 2020

DATE: Dec 23, 2020
TIME: 11:45 am

Message sent on the basis of information received from:

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

A substantial amount of rain, up to 25 mm, is forecast for south-eastern Ontario, including the Kawartha Conservation watershed for tomorrow, December 24th. 

Rain is expected to begin tonight ahead of an approaching low-pressure system. This rain will continue into Thursday, Dec 25th, and may become heavy at times. Precipitation is expected to change over to snow Thursday evening and continue as snow and flurries into the following couple of days.

The predicted rainfall combined with frozen ground conditions will result in increased runoff, causing higher than normal water levels and flows in local rivers and streams. Water accumulation in low-lying areas, road ditches, and areas of poor or blocked drainage may occur. However, no flooding problems are anticipated at this time. 

Under these circumstances, all local rivers, streams, ditches, and lakes should be considered extremely dangerous. Riverbanks are slippery, unsafe, and could be undercut. Stream currents are strong, and water temperatures are dangerously cold. Ice cover, where it exists, is extremely unstable and unsafe.

Kawartha Conservation is warning all residents to stay away from 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. 

This Watershed Conditions Statement-Water Safety will be in effect or updated before Saturday, Dec 26th, 2020.

Kawartha Conservation will continue monitoring local watercourses 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.

Iryna Shulyarenko                           Emma Collyer       

Hydrologist Director                        Director, Integrated Watershed Management