WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT – FLOOD OUTLOOK, Extended, April 10, 2026

WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT – FLOOD OUTLOOK, Extended
DATE: APRIL 10, 2026
TIME:  3:45 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 extending our Watershed Conditions Statement - Flood Outlook on Friday April 10, 2026, until Friday, April 17, 2026.

The Kawartha Conservation Watershed continues to experience elevated water levels in local streams, rivers, and lakes due to ongoing rainfall and warmer air temperatures. Forecasts currently indicate 40–50 mm of additional rainfall over the weekend and into next week across the watershed.

These conditions are expected to increase runoff, causing higher water levels and faster flows throughout the system. As a result, streambanks may become slippery and unstable, and water crossings and structures such as culverts, bridges, and dams may experience hazardous flow conditions.

Widespread flooding is not expected at this time, but localized flooding may occur in low-lying areas and along shorelines where drainage is limited. Hazardous conditions may develop near all watercourses.

Residents are advised to stay away from streams, rivers, lakes, and other watercourses during this time. Parents and pet owners should keep children and pets well back from fast-moving water and unstable banks. Recreational users are also encouraged to avoid waterways until conditions 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 Friday, April 17, 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.