MESSAGE # 2020-21
ISSUED: 12:30 p.m., Thursday April 09, 2020
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.
A WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT – WATER SAFETY is now in effect for the Indian, Ouse and Otonabee River watersheds, and the portion of Trent-Severn Waterway within the geographical jurisdiction of Otonabee Conservation.
DEFINITION: A WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT – WATER SAFETY is issued when high flows, unsafe banks, melting ice or other factors could be dangerous for recreational users such as anglers, canoeists, hikers, children, pets, etc. Flooding is not expected.
CURRENT WATERSHED CONDITIONS and RISK – Water levels on the Kawartha Lakes from the Tri-Lakes (Pigeon, Buckhorn and Chemong Lakes) downstream to Lake Katchewanooka have leveled-off. Flows on the Otonabee River have significantly decreased and will continue to decrease as a result of much improved conditions upstream. As a result of reduced flows on the Otonabee River, water levels on Rice Lake and the Trent River to Hastings are also dropping. While this is good news for residents and businesses occupying low-lying areas along the shores of the Trent-Severn Waterway, the Waterway continues to experience high water levels / flows, slippery banks, and water temperatures that are extremely cold. Indeed, these dangerous conditions exist for all water courses / water bodies in the jurisdiction of Otonabee Conservation. It is, therefore, of utmost importance that all area residents and visitors stay SAFE by Staying Away From the Edge of all watercourses / waterbodies – lakes, canals, rivers, streams, creeks, wetlands and drainage ditches.
This WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT – WATER SAFETY message will remain in effect until further notice.
Gordon 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