Back to SearchEnvironment Canada is calling for up to 35 mm of rain for the Kawartha Conservation watershed jurisdiction, as a strong cold front makes its way through southern Ontario, bringing rain and strong winds. Air temperature is predicted to reach as high as 13°C during the passage of this low-pressure system, remaining above the freezing marks overnight.
The rain is expected to leave the region by Saturday night, while temperatures will fall rapidly, allowing for light snow to develop in the wake of the cold front.
WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT - WATER SAFETY 
DATE: Dec 10, 2021
TIME: 12:30 pm
Message sent on the basis of information received from:
- Environment and Climate Change Canada
- Kawartha Conservation monitoring network
- Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry - Surface Water Monitoring Centre
Environment Canada is calling for up to 35 mm of rain for the Kawartha Conservation watershed jurisdiction, as a strong cold front makes its way through southern Ontario, bringing rain and strong winds. Air temperature is predicted to reach as high as 13°C during the passage of this low-pressure system, remaining above the freezing marks overnight.
The rain is expected to leave the region by Saturday night, while temperatures will fall rapidly, allowing for light snow to develop in the wake of the cold front.
The local rivers and streams are flowing at moderately elevated levels, responding to the rain and snowmelt earlier this week. A snow cover of various depths, up to 10 cm, has been observed around the watershed. The ground is saturated or frozen with a limited capacity to absorb additional runoff.
Under these circumstances, the runoff from the forecast precipitation and snowmelt will increase water levels in local watercourses. No flooding problems within the Kawartha Conservation watershed jurisdiction are anticipated at this time. However, water accumulation in low-lying areas, road ditches, and areas with poor drainage can be expected.
All local rivers, streams, ditches, and lakes should be considered extremely dangerous in these conditions. Riverbanks and shorelines are slippery and unsafe. Stream currents will be strong, and water temperatures dangerously cold. Ice cover, where it exists, is extremely hazardous.
Kawartha Conservation will be closely monitoring the development of this weather situation and assessing the potential flood hazard. 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.
For information about flooding outside of the Kawartha Conservation watershed jurisdiction, such as the Burnt and Gull rivers, please refer to the Ontario-Flood Forecasting and Warning webpage.
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.
This Watershed Conditions Statement-Water Safety will be in effect or updated before Monday, December 13th, 2021. If you are aware of or have concerns about flooding, please contact Kawartha Conservation at 705.328.2271 or 705.344.0155 after hours.
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 bankfull levels, when ice conditions are unsafe, or when stream banks are icy, soft, and/or slippery.
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