WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT – FLOOD OUTLOOK, Extended - April 7, 2026

WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT – FLOOD OUTLOOK, Extended
DATE: April 7, 2026
TIME: 10:30PM

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 the Watershed Conditions Statement - Flood Outlook through to noon on Friday, April 10, 2026.

Recent rainfall events paired with above normal temperatures have increased water levels in a number of the lakes, streams and rivers within the Kawartha Conservation Watershed. 

Increased daytime temperatures and rainfall events have melted any remaining snow from our watershed, and accelerated melting of remaining snowpack in the Haliburton Watershed. 

As a result, some of the lakes within our watershed have increased to near full capacity and are expected to remain high until conditions improve. Lake Scugog has received a significant amount of water during this melt and rainfall period, and is currently just below maximum capacity, while Balsam Lake continues to receive higher then normal amounts of water as a result of the inflows from the Haliburton Watershed entering into the Gull River. Local streams are also experiencing higher then normal water levels and flows as a result of these conditions. 

There is currently no risk of widespread flooding, however lakes, streams and rivers within the Kawartha Conservation watershed may experience localized flooding and water pooling during this time. Shoreline residents located along Lake Scugog and Balsam Lake may experience higher then normal shoreline water levels, resulting in flooded waterfront areas. Shorelines and stream banks may become slippery and unstable, while local streams will continue to experience higher then normal flows and water levels. 

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 Friday, April 10, 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.