FLOOD WATCH – LAKE SHORELINE NOTICE - April 10, 2026

FLOOD WATCH – LAKE SHORELINE NOTICE
DATE: APRIL 10, 2026
TIME:  3:30 pm

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 issuing a Flood Watch -Lake Shoreline Notice on Friday April 10, 2026, through to Friday, April 17, 2026. This Flood Watch applies to the shoreline areas of the following waterbodies:

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

The Kawartha Conservation Watershed continues to experience elevated water levels in the Kawartha Lakes. Larger rivers such as the Gull River and Burnt River are expected to experience higher water levels and flows as a result of water management practices in the Haliburton Watershed. This will result in further increases in water levels within the Kawartha lakes.

Forecasts indicate continued pressure on these systems, as additional rainfall in the amount of 40-50mm is expected over the weekend and through next week, while daytime air temperatures continue to remain well above seasonal normals during this time. 

Water management of these northern watercourses is expected to further elevate water levels and flows in both the Gull River and Burnt River in the coming days, potentially impacting shorelines residents within the Kawartha Lakes. Lake Scugog is currently at max capacity, while Balsam Lake and Cameron Lake are expected to see increases as northern tributaries begin to increase in water level and flow.  

There is a possibility for shoreline residents to experience localized flooding during this time. Low lying areas along shorelines may experience higher then normal water levels, while water structures such as dams, locks and bridges are expected to have increased flows.

Residents are advised to avoid 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.

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.

If you are aware of or have concerns about flooding, please contact Kawartha Conservation at 705.328.2271 or 705.344.0155 after hours.

This Flood Watch – Shoreline Notice will remain in effect until noon on Friday, April 17, 2026, and will be updated as conditions warrant.

Nathan Rajevski
Watershed Resource Technician

Nancy Aspden
Director, Integrated Watershed Management

Flood Watch warns that flooding is possible. Municipalities, emergency services, and individual landowners in flood-prone areas should prepare. A Flood Watch may be issued for specific waterbodies or municipalities.