Watershed Conditions Statement - Water Safety - March 30

March 30, 2023

Flood Messages

Widespread flooding is not anticipated, however water levels and flows in watercourses across the Kawartha Conservation watershed jurisdiction remain elevated due to the ongoing spring melt and near saturated ground conditions.

WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT – WATER SAFETY

Kawartha Conservation Watershed

DATE: Thursday March 30, 2023
TIME: 1:00 pm

Message sent based on information received from:

A Provincial Watershed Conditions Statement has been issued for Southern Ontario by the Surface Water Monitoring Centre of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry.

A low-pressure weather system will enter Ontario on Friday morning, bringing significant precipitation to the region south of French River, extending into Southern Ontario. Up to 20-35 mm of precipitation are forecast for Friday, followed by another 10-20 mm of rainfall on Saturday, with the potential for up to 30-55mm of total rainfall over the two days. Daytime temperatures will be well above freezing, which combined with the rainfall, will melt much of the remaining snow, especially in the northern part of the Kawartha Region.

All watercourses have the potential to be dangerous at this time of year 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, and that lake ice conditions are unsafe in many areas. 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 Sunday, April 2, 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.

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