Watershed Conditions Statement - Water Safety - June 28, 2024

May 28, 2024

Based on information received from Environment and Climate Change Canada, the Ministry of Natural Resources - Surface Water Monitoring Centre, and Trent-Severn Waterway, Kawartha Conservation is issuing a Watershed Conditions Statement for this weekend, June 29th -30th.

WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT – WATER SAFETY
Kawartha Conservation Watershed
DATE: Friday June 28, 2024
TIME: 12:30 pm

Message sent based on information received from:

A low-pressure system is crawling into Ontario, bringing a risk of thunderstorms and causing localized flooding in some areas. Widespread heavy rain is forecasted on Saturday, and rounds of unsettling weather including thunderstorms are expected to follow during the long weekend. Approximately 10-15 mm of rainfall is expected Saturday, with possibility of more precipitation during heavy thunderstorms. Some areas may receive more rainfall than others due to localized downpours.

In the past days, our watershed has received a few unexpected thunderstorms that has caused a couple of minor flooding issues. The ground across our jurisdiction is saturated, with a higher risk of flash flooding during the upcoming heavy rainfall events.

Currently, flows and water levels, across the Kawartha Conservation watershed, are a little bit higher than the normal seasonal range. The forecasted rainfalls will likely result in higher water levels and flows in creeks, rivers, streams, and lakes over the weekend. Widespread flooding is not anticipated. However heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling. 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 heavy rain. Riverbanks are to be 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 (MNR). Residents along these two rivers are requested to direct any questions concerning water levels to the Minden Area office at 705-286-1521 or refer to the messages issued by the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR).

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 Sunday June 30, 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 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
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.

Kawartha Conservation
277 Kenrei Road
Lindsay, ON K9V 4R1
Tel: 705.328.2271
Fax: 705.328.2286