Watershed Conditions Statement - Water Safety - May 27, 2024

Based on information received from Environment Canada and Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry - Surface Water Monitoring Centre, Kawartha Conservation is issuing a Watershed Conditions Statement for today through tomorrow, May 27th – May 28th.

WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT – WATER SAFETY - May 27-28
Kawartha Conservation Watershed
DATE: Monday May 27, 2024
TIME: 11:00 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

 

Based on information received from Environment Canada and Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry - Surface Water Monitoring Centre, Kawartha Conservation is issuing a Watershed Conditions Statement for today through tomorrow, May 27th – May 28th.

 

A few thunderstorms are expected across Ontario over the next 24 hours with the possibility of severe thunderstorms stretching from Lake Simcoe northeast into the Kawartha Region, and further north. These storms have the potential to bring severe winds, hail, and localized flooding due to heavy downpours, with 20 to 30 mm of rain expected over the next 24 hours. Some areas likely to receive more rainfall from localized intense downpours or heavy showers. The arrival of these unpredictable high energy systems is a result of storm systems tracking in from the U.S. Residents should remain vigilant and be prepared for any of the weather conditions mentioned above.

Currently, flows and water levels, across the Kawartha Conservation watershed, are within the normal seasonal range. The forecasted rainfall will likely result in higher water levels in creeks, rivers, streams, and lakes within our jurisdiction over the next couple of days. Widespread flooding is not anticipated. However heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads. 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 rain. 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 705-286-1521 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 Tuesday May 28th, 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 
Water Resources Engineer

Nancy Aspden
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.