WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT – FLOOD OUTLOOK - April 2, 2026

WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT – FLOOD OUTLOOK
DATE: April 2, 2026
TIME: 12:00PM

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 Watershed Conditions Statement - Flood Outlook through to noon on Tuesday. April 7, 2026.

Forecasts for the Kawartha Conservation watershed indicate that a weather system is expected to bring 20-30 mm of rain over the long weekend, along with above-seasonal daytime and nighttime temperatures. There is also a risk of thunderstorms developing tonight and into Friday morning which could significantly increase rainfall intensity.

These conditions will accelerate the melting of the remaining snowpack in the northern Haliburton watershed, resulting in higher flows in the Burnt River and ultimately increasing water levels in the Kawartha Lakes. Local streams and rivers will experience similar increases in response to the expected rainfall amounts and warmer temperatures.

Widespread flooding is not anticipated at this time, however localized flooding and water pooling may occur in low-lying areas, roadways, along shorelines, and in locations where drainage is restricted or blocked.

Elevated water levels and faster flowing water will create hazardous conditions near all watercourses and waterbodies. Riverbanks will become slippery and unstable, and water structures such as bridges, culverts, and dams should be avoided.

Residents are advised to exercise caution near all watercourses. 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 Watershed Conditions Statement - Flood Outlook will remain in effect until noon on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, and will be updated as conditions warrant.

Nathan Rajevski
Watershed Resource Technician

Nancy Aspden
Director, Integrated Watershed Management

Watershed Conditions Statement – Flood Outlook is an early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts calling for heavy rain, snow melt, high wind or conditions that could lead to high runoff, cause ice jams, lakeshore flooding or erosion.