Watershed Conditions Statement - Water Safety - March 8, 2024

Based on information received from Environment Canada, Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry - Surface Water Monitoring Centre and Trent-Severn Waterway, Kawartha Conservation is issuing a Watershed Conditions Statement for the coming days, March 8th - 11th.

 

WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT – WATER SAFETY
Kawartha Conservation Watershed
DATE: Friday Mar 8, 2024
TIME: 10:00 am

 

Message sent based on information received from:

• Kawartha Conservation Flood Forecasting Network
• Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry - Surface Water Monitoring Centre
• Environment Canada
• Trent-Severn Waterway 

Based on information received from Environment Canada, Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry - Surface Water Monitoring Centre and Trent-Severn Waterway, Kawartha Conservation is issuing a Watershed Conditions Statement for the coming days, March 8th - 11th.

A low-pressure system will bring widespread rain across southern Ontario this weekend. 20-40 mm of rain is expected to start late to Friday and continue through Saturday. As temperatures begin to drop Saturday night the rain may change to snow. Daytime highs for the next 4 days range from 3°C to 11°C, with nighttime lows ranging from -6°C to 6°. Water levels on lakes, rivers and creeks will see a rise this weekend as well as increased water flows due to this weather event.

At this time across Kawartha Conservation watershed, water flows and levels are within normal standards for this time of the year. The latest snow survey indicates that snowpacks have severely declined since late February due to the recent warm weather. Widespread flooding is not anticipated, however fast flowing water and flooding in low-lying areas and areas with poor drainage is possible within the Kawartha Conservation jurisdiction.

All watercourses have the potential to be dangerous during extensive rain and possible ice breakup. Riverbanks are 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 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).

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 Monday March 11th, 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 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.

Yan Shao                                                                          Nancy Aspden
Water Resources Engineer                                             Acting 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.