WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT - WATER SAFETY - April 17, 2026

WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT - WATER SAFETY
DATE: APRIL 17, 2026
TIME:  10:30 am

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

Based on 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 - Water Safety, in effect until April 21, 2026.

Current forecasts for the Kawartha Conservation watershed indicate additional precipitation on Saturday, with amounts of 10 to 15 mm expected depending on location. Air temperatures are also forecast to decline beginning Saturday evening. As a result, local streams and rivers are expected to remain elevated through the weekend. Overland flooding continues to be observed in some areas, and water levels will remain higher than normal. 

While conditions remain elevated, the forecast is favourable for a gradual recession in water levels beginning Sunday and continuing into next week. 

Some roads across the watershed continue to experience overland flooding, and temporary closures remain in place where water is pooling. Although widespread flooding is not anticipated at this time within the watershed boundary, streambanks may be unstable and slippery. Lake levels are also expected to remain elevated as inflows from northern tributaries continue to move through the system.

A Flood Warning – Lake Shoreline Notice remains in effect for the Kawartha Conservation watershed. 

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. 

Municipalities are advised to monitor known flood areas and be prepared to respond to high water situations as they occur. Residents are advised to contact their municipalities should a flood threat develop. Local municipalities are first to respond to and assist with flood emergencies.

Northern tributaries, such as the Burnt River and Gull River are monitored by staff from the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR). Residents along these two rivers are requested to direct any questions concerning water levels to the Minden Area office at 705-286-1521 or refer to the messages issued by the Ministry of Natural Resources.

Kawartha Conservation will continue to monitor watershed and weather conditions closely and remains in communication with municipal partners, the Trent-Severn Waterway, the Ministry of Natural Resources - Surface Water Monitoring Centre, and neighboring Conservation Authorities. 

Updates will be provided as conditions warrant. 

This Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety will remain in effect until April 21, 2026, or updated as required.

Nathan Rajevski 
Watershed Resource Technician     

Mark Majchrowski
CAO

Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety is a general notice that existing or potential conditions pose a risk to personal safety.  Watershed Conditions Statements - Water Safety may be issued when streams are flowing at or near bank full levels, when ice conditions are unsafe, or when stream banks are icy, soft and/or slippery.