Watershed Conditions Statement - Water Safety - April 28-2020

DATE: April 28, 2020
TIME: 2:00 pm

Message sent on the basis of information received from:

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

A Watershed Conditions Statement – Currently watershed conditions are normal for the Kawartha Conservation watershed.

Rivers and streams across the Kawartha Conservation watershed are currently flowing at normal water levels and water levels in the large Kawartha Lakes are beginning to normalize throughout the Trent River system.

Precipitation, up to 35 mm, is forecasted for the Kawartha region on Wednesday, April 29th through to Friday May, 1^st. As a result, water levels and flows in watercourses across the Kawartha Conservation watershed jurisdiction are expected to rise and flows to increase due to the extended period of rainfall.

No flooding problems within and around local rivers and streams are anticipated at this time, however, all watercourses have the potential to be dangerous during and after a large rain event. Kawartha Conservation is warning all residents to stay a safe distance from all water bodies, as well as water structures such as bridges, culverts, and dams. River banks can be slippery and muddy at this time of year and children should be warned of 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).

Additional information from the TSW is available at the Water Management InfoNet.

This Watershed Condition Statement – Water Safety will be in effect through Saturday, May 2, 2020.

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 Emma Collyer
Watershed Resources Technician 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 bankfull levels, when ice conditions are unsafe, or when stream banks are icy, soft and/or slippery.