WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT – FLOOD OUTLOOK - March 6, 2026

Kawartha Conservation advises that a significant amount of rain and above normal temperatures is forecasted to arrive in southern Ontario starting Friday night and continuing into Saturday afternoon, with expected amounts ranging from 20-30mm over the duration of the event.

This rainfall event, combined with a heavy snowpack and a rapid increase in temperature through both daytime and overnight periods, will accelerate snowmelt and runoff across our watershed. Rising water levels and flows in local streams and rivers is expected. As temperatures rise, ice cover on lakes and rivers will start to weaken, creating dangerous conditions for recreational users. Residents located along the Burnt River watershed should expect to see increased flows and water levels as a result of these conditions.

While widespread flooding is not anticipated at this time, localized flooding and water pooling may occur in low-lying areas, roadways, along shorelines, and where drainage is restricted. Increased flows and water levels will create hazardous conditions near waterways, including unstable or slippery banks and unsafe conditions around water structures such as bridges, culverts, and dams. Kawartha Conservation advises residents to avoid all watercourses during this period and reminds parents and pet owners to keep children and pets away.

Kawartha Conservation continues to closely monitor the weather and watershed conditions while assessing any potential flood risk. We remain in close communication with partner agencies, including the Trent-Severn Waterway, Ministry of Natural Resources – Surface Water Monitoring Centre, and neighboring Conservation Authorities during this event.

We will continue updating watershed residents, local municipalities, and partner agencies about the situation using the Kawartha Conservation website, media outlets, and social media. You can subscribe to receive the Kawartha Conservation flood messages at www.kawarthaconservation.com/subscribe.

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 be in effect until end of day Monday, March 9 and will be updated or removed as required.

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.