Watershed Conditions Statement - Water Safety - March 17

Under current weather conditions, the remaining snow will continue melting with increased intensity. The watercourses will continue responding with further increases in water levels and flows, reaching or exceeding their banks. Some nuisance flooding due to accumulation of water in low-lying areas, areas with poor drainage, road ditches can be expected. However, no widespread flooding problems are anticipated at this time. 

WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT – WATER SAFETY  

DATE:                   March 17, 2022  

TIME:                   1:45 pm  

Message sent on the basis of information received from:

• Kawartha Conservation monitoring network
• Environment and Climate Change Canada
• Surface Water Monitoring Centre - Ministry of Northern Development, Natural Resources and Forestry
• Trent-Severn Waterway

The warm weather has arrived in southern Ontario, including the Kawartha Conservation watershed. Environment Canada predicts the air temperature to reach as high as 12-15°C today and tomorrow, cooling off to 4-8°C later. The overnight temperatures are expected to hover around the freezing mark. A moderate amount of precipitation up to 10 mm, including a mix of rain and snow, is forecast for Friday and Saturday, March 18 -19. 

Our observations show that the snowpack across the watershed has significantly receded over the past two days, completely melting in some areas, such as open fields. However, substantial snowpack remains in treed and shaded areas, around the watercourses, and in low-lying areas. 

Water levels and flows in local rivers and streams have increased moderately so far, and are below the flooding thresholds. Ground cover around the watershed is still mostly frozen. 

Under these weather conditions, the remaining snow will continue melting with increased intensity. The watercourses will continue responding with further increases in water levels and flows, reaching or exceeding their banks. Some nuisance flooding due to accumulation of water in low-lying areas, areas with poor drainage, road ditches can be expected. However, no widespread flooding problems are anticipated at this time. 

The ice cover has broken and moved on many smaller creeks. Where it still exists, it will continue to weaken and break under the mild temperatures. Moving ice, coupled with debris, increase the potential for blockage and ice jams, especially in the vicinity of culverts and bridges.

The large Kawartha Lakes are not expected to experience any significant water level changes at this time. Trent-Severn Waterway officials are monitoring the system and adjusting the water control structures as required. 

In these circumstances, all local rivers, streams, and lakes should be considered extremely dangerous. Riverbanks will be slippery and unsafe; any remaining ice cover is unstable and hazardous. 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. 

Municipalities are advised to monitor areas known for flooding and be prepared to respond to high water situations as they occur. Residents are advised to contact their municipalities should a flood threat develop. Local municipalities are the first to respond to and assist with flood emergencies.

Kawartha Conservation continues monitoring this developing situation closely and assessing the flood hazard. We are in close communication with partner agencies such as the Trent-Severn Waterway, Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry, and neighboring Conservation Authorities. 

Northern tributaries, such as the Burnt and Gull Rivers are monitored by staff from the Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry. Residents along these two rivers are requested to direct any questions concerning water levels to the MNDMNRF Minden Area office at 705.457.6434 or refer to the messages issued by the Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry at https://www.ontario.ca/law-and-safety/flood-forecasting-and-warning-program.

We will continue advising watershed residents, local municipalities, and partner agencies about the situation using the Kawartha Conservation website, media outlets, and social media. You can subscribe to receive the Kawartha Conservation flood messages.  

If you are aware of or have concerns about flooding, please contact Kawartha Conservation at 705.328.2271x219 or 705.344.0155 after hours.

This Watershed Conditions Statement- Water Safety will be in effect or updated before Monday, March 21, 2022.

Iryna Shulyarenko                                                   Emma Collyer                                                 

Hydrologist                                                              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.