EXPIRED | Flood Watch Update | May 4, 2023 – Otonabee Region Conservation Authority

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Message # 2023-17

Issued: 11:00 a.m., Thursday, May 4, 2023

Subject: FLOOD WATCH Update – issued for Trent-Severn Waterway (TSW) (i.e., Kawartha Lakes, Otonabee River, Rice Lake and Trent River to Hastings)

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 Otonabee Conservation’s other partners in flood emergency management.

This FLOOD WATCH Update is issued to alert municipalities and residents that floods are possible.

Weather: The low-pressure weather system that traveled through the headwaters of the Kawartha Lakes (Haliburton/Reservoir Lakes region) and the area of the TSW under Otonabee Conservation’s jurisdiction between April 28^th to May 1^st, dropped 40 to 60mm millimeters (mm) of rainfall. This rainfall in combination with on-going spring melt conditions, has generated an excess amount of water in the system.

Flood Risk for Trent-Severn Waterway: Parks Canada is currently managing water through the entire Trent-Severn Waterway. With the increased flows entering the Kawartha Lakes, water levels will continue to gradually increase. Flooding of low-lying areas along the Kawartha Lakes and Rice Lake shoreline is expected.

At present, water levels and flows on the Otonabee River are approaching average spring levels. Water levels on the Otonabee River will continue to gradually increase over the weekend. Flooding of low-lying areas along the Otonabee River is expected.

Therefore, Otonabee Conservation advises that residents and businesses located on the shores of the TSW, and who have been impacted by high water/ high flow conditions in the past, take any necessary action to protect/secure vulnerable property in proximity to lakes and rivers and closely monitor developing conditions. In addition, Otonabee Conservation advises residents and visitors to be extremely cautious if travelling on area lakes and rivers. Boat traffic during high water conditions can cause damage to shorelines and to shoreline property with vessel wakes.

All residents and visitors to the Otonabee Region watershed are advised not to drive, cycle, or walk through flooded areas and to obey all road/traffic closures. 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:

This FLOOD WATCH will expire Thursday, May 11th, 2023, unless updated earlier.

For more information:
Neil MacFarlane | Flood Forecasting & Warning Duty Officer | 705-745-5791 x 231
250 Milroy Drive, Peterborough, ON K9H 7M9
orcafloodduty@otonabeeconservation.com | Flood Watch Hotline 705-745-5791 x 228