WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT – WATER SAFETY - January 8, 2026

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Based on information from Environment and Climate Change Canada and the Ministry of Natural Resources – Surface Water Monitoring Center, Kawartha Conservation is issuing a Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety, effective January 8 to January 11, 2026.

Current forecasts for the Kawartha Conservation Watershed indicate rising air temperatures with small amounts of rainfall expected over the coming days. These conditions may increase runoff from both rainfall and snowmelt, leading to elevated water levels in local streams and lakes. As temperatures rise, ice cover on lakes may weaken or deteriorate, increasing safety risks for those accessing ice surfaces.

Widespread flooding is not anticipated at this time, however, above-normal weather conditions can result in hazardous conditions near water. Stream flows may be elevated, banks may become unstable and slippery, and the risk of erosion may increase. Ice-covered lakes used for recreation may experience increased melt, higher under-ice flows, and slippery shoreline conditions.

Kawartha Conservation advises residents, visitors, and municipalities to avoid all waterbodies and watercourses at this time due to unsafe conditions. Caution should be exercised near rivers, streams, lakes, and drainage features, while children and pets should be closely supervised when outdoors near water.

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 is closely monitoring weather and watershed conditions and will update this statement or issue additional flood messaging if conditions change.

We will continue advising watershed residents, local municipalities, and partner agencies using the Kawartha Conservation website, media outlets, and social media channels.

If you are aware of or have concerns related to flooding or hazardous conditions, please contact Kawartha Conservation at 705.328.2271 or 705.344.0155 after hours.

This Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety will remain in effect until 11:59 PM Sunday, January 11, 2026.

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.