WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT – WATER SAFETY – May 2-9, 2025

WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT – WATER SAFETY – May 2-9, 2025
DATE: May 2, 2025
TIME: 12:30 pm

Message sent based on information received from:

• Kawartha Conservation Flood Forecasting network
• Ministry of Natural Resources - Surface Water Monitoring Centre 
• Environment and Climate Change Canada
• Trent Severn Waterway – Parks Canada

Based on information from Environment and Climate Change Canada and the Ministry of Natural Resources – Surface Water Monitoring Centre, Kawartha Conservation is downgrading to a Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety for Friday, May 2, 2025, until 12:00PM Friday, May 9, 2025.

Water levels within the Kawartha Lakes are receding following elevated water levels experienced over the last few weeks. Inflows from northern tributaries continue to fluctuate, while our local streams are maintaining normal seasonal levels and remain below critical level. 

Widespread flooding is not expected; however, all waterbodies and watercourses are still considered dangerous as spring rain can cause banks to become unstable and slippery while spring storm events can contribute to high water levels, fast flowing water that can erode and undercut banks and shorelines making them prone to collapse. We encourage watershed residents to remain vigilant around water structures such as bridges, culverts and dams during this time.  

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 (MNR).

Kawartha Conservation is closely monitoring 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 advising the 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.  

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-Water Safety will be in effect until 12:00PM on Friday, May 9 or will be updated or removed as required.

Nathan Rajevski
Watershed Resource Technician

Nancy Aspden
Director, Integrated Watershed Management

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.