THIS MESSAGE IS NO LONGER ACTIVE. PLEASE READ THE FLOOD WATCH UPDATE ISSUED ON MARCH 22, 2022
Message # 2022-05 Issued: 11:45 a.m., Wednesday, March 16, 2022
FLOOD WATCH issued for all waterbodies and watercourses in the Region
except the Trent-Severn Waterway (i.e., Kawartha Lakes, Otonabee River and Rice Lake)
Issued to: Municipalities of Selwyn, Douro-Dummer, Asphodel-Norwood, Otonabee-South Monaghan, Cavan Monaghan, City of Kawartha Lakes, City of Peterborough and Trent Hills, and ORCA’s other partners in flood emergency management.
This FLOOD WATCH is issued to alert municipalities, residents, and businesses that floods are possible.
A warming trend accompanied by precipitation will result in significant snowmelt and rainfall run-off. Starting today (Wednesday March 16th) and continuing for the next week or more, the Region will experience continuous snowmelt and 20 to 50 millimeters of rainfall, with most of the rain arriving March 18th/19th.
Rain on snow on frozen/saturated ground will cause water levels/flows in area rivers, streams, creeks, and wetlands to increase. If waters rise enough as to exceed channel capacity, it is expected to only do so in low-lying areas and to cause only nuisance level flooding.
The Kawartha Lakes are not expected to experience flooding during the next week given inflows from the north are expected to hold steady. However, ice conditions will become increasingly unsafe. The Otonabee River and Rice Lake have sufficient capacity to handle local inflows without exceeding their normal confines.
Area residents can expect ponding of water in low-lying areas because frozen/saturated ground conditions will prevent absorption. Also, ponding and possibly flooding of adjacent roadways and pathways will occur around culverts and drainage basins that are blocked due to snow, ice and/or debris accumulations – observe and obey all road or path closure signs.
Residents and businesses along the shores of area waterbodies and watercourses, especially those located in low-lying areas, are strongly encouraged to keep a close watch for possible flooding and to take action to limit or prevent damages due to potential flooding. Adults, parents, and caregivers are advised to keep themselves, children, and pets away from all waterways and conveyance structures (i.e., dams, culverts, and bridges).
Water levels can be monitored on-line at:
- Trent-Severn Waterway’s Water Management InfoNet
- Water Survey of Canada Real-Time Hydrometric Data
- Otonabee Region Conservation Authority website
This FLOOD WATCH message will expire FRIDAY, APRIL 01st, 2022, unless up-dated earlier.
Gord Earle | Flood Forecasting & Warning Duty Officer | 705-745-5791 x 214
250 Milroy Drive, Peterborough, ON K9H 7M9
orcafloodduty@otonabeeconservation.com | Flood Watch Hotline 705-745-5791 x 228