FLOOD WARNING – LAKE SHORELINE NOTICE EXTENDED - April 21, 2026

FLOOD WARNING - LAKE SHORELINE NOTICE EXTENDED - April 21, 2026
DATE: APRIL 21, 2026
TIME:  11:30 am

Message sent on the basis of information received from:

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

Based on updated information from Environment and Climate Change Canada and the Ministry of Natural Resources - Surface Water Monitoring Centre, Kawartha Conservation is extending its Flood Warning - Lake Shoreline Notice on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, through to Monday, April 27, 2026. This Flood Warning applies to the shoreline areas of the following waterbodies located within the Kawartha Conservation Watershed boundary:

• Balsam Lake
• Cameron Lake
• Sturgeon Lake
• Pigeon Lake
• Lake Scugog
• Crystal Lake

Currently water levels and flows within the Kawartha Conservation watershed remain elevated across a number of the lakes within our watershed. These conditions are being sustained due to continued inflows from the Gull River and the Burnt River over the past week, with water levels expected to remain elevated for the time being. Forecasts do indicate some relief on our watershed, with minimal rainfall events throughout the week and into the weekend. 

While Balsam Lake, and Cameron Lake’s water levels remain slightly below critical level, they are expected to continue to rise and then balance out in the coming days as water management continues along the Trent-Severn Waterway. Lake Scugog remains at its maximum capacity and Parks Canada is actively managing these conditions through the Lindsay Dam. Sturgeon Lake, Pigeon Lake, and Crystal Lake are also expected to see a rises and fluctuations in water levels and flows as Parks Canada water continues to move through the Trent Severn Waterway system.

Shoreline flooding remains a possibility during these rapidly changing conditions, along with localized flooding in low-lying, poorly drained areas along the shorelines of these lakes. Water levels across the watershed are expected to remain elevated during this time. 

Residents are strongly advised to exercise caution around all watercourses during this time. Parents and pet owners are reminded to keep children and pets away from fast moving water and unstable banks. Recreational users should avoid waterways until conditions further stabilize. 

Kawartha Conservation continues to closely monitor weather forecasts, water levels, and flows across the watershed. We remain in communication with partner agencies including the Trent-Severn Waterway, Ministry of Natural Resources - Surface Water Monitoring Centre, and neighboring Conservation Authorities. 

Municipalities are advised to monitor known flood areas and be prepared to respond to high water situations as they occur. Residents are advised to contact their municipalities should a flood threat develop. Local municipalities are first to respond to and assist with flood emergencies. 

Northern tributaries, such as the Burnt River and Gull River, are monitored by Ministry of Natural Resources staff. Residents with questions regarding water levels along these rivers are encouraged to contact the Minden Area Office at 705-286-1521 or refer to current flood messages issued by the Ministry of Natural Resources.

Watershed residents, local municipalities, and partner agencies will continue to receive updates through the Kawartha Conservation website, media outlets, and social media channels. Residents may also subscribe to receive flood messages directly. 

This Flood Warning – Shoreline Notice Extension will remain in effect until noon on Monday, April 27, 2026, and will be updated as conditions warrant.

Nathan Rajevski
Watershed Resource Technician

Nancy Aspden               
Director, Integrated Watershed Management

Flood Warnings advise that flooding is imminent or already occurring. A Flood Warning may be issued for specific waterbodies or municipalities.