Watershed Conditions Statement - Water Safety  - January 17–21, 2025

Kawartha Conservation Watershed

DATE: January 17, 2025

TIME: 1:00 pm

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Kawartha Conservation is extending the Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety, that was issued on January 14, 2025 effective now through noon on Tuesday, January 21, 2025.

Above seasonal temperatures on Friday, January 17 through Saturday morning, could result in melting, before temperatures drop dramatically Saturday afternoon into next week.

The Trent-Severn Waterway is continuing to actively manage the water levels throughout the system to mitigate issues related to frazzle ice and potential flooding along the Otonabee River.  Water flows throughout the system may vary and as a result, ice conditions in lakes, rivers, and other water bodies may be unstable.

While widespread flooding is not expected, slippery and unstable riverbanks, as well as areas with moving water, pose significant safety risks. For winter outdoor enthusiasts, it’s important to recognize that conditions on ice-covered areas may be unsafe or unstable. Please exercise caution and assess risks carefully before engaging in recreational activities. Ensure children and pets are kept away from waterways, and take the time to discuss these hazards to prioritize everyone’s safety.

Residents in the northern tributary areas, including the Burnt and Gull Rivers, are encouraged to contact the Ministry of Natural Resources Minden office at 705-286-1521 or consult their flood forecasting updates at Ontario Flood Forecasting.

Further updates from the Trent-Severn Waterway can be found on the Water Management InfoNet.

This statement will remain in effect until noon Tuesday, January 21, 2025, and will be otherwise updated or removed as required. 

Kawartha Conservation will continue to monitor water conditions and provide updates as necessary in coordination with partner agencies, including the Trent-Severn Waterway, the Ministry of Natural Resources, and neighbouring Conservation Authorities.

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

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.