THIS MESSAGE IS NO LONGER ACTIVE.
Message #2022-06
Issued: 2:00 p.m., Wednesday March 16, 2022
Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety – issued for the Trent-Severn Waterway (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.
A Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety is issued when high flows, ice or other factors could be dangerous, but flooding is not expected.
Weather Forecast
Starting today, a warm weather trend accompanied by precipitation will affect Otonabee Conservation’s geographical jurisdiction and the more northern Haliburton Lakes/Reservoir Lakes Region, albeit to a lesser extent and duration in the north. Weather experienced in the Haliburton Lakes/Reservoir Lakes Region is important to us because this vast catchment area is hydrologically connected to the Kawartha Lakes and in turn the Kawartha Lakes outlet to the Otonabee River, which flows into Rice Lake. As a result, run-off events to the north impact the Kawartha Lakes, Otonabee River, Rice Lake and beyond.
Risk to Local Rivers, Streams, Creeks, and Wetlands
A separate Flood Watch message has been issued for the Indian River watershed, Ouse River watershed and the watersheds of the tributary creeks that flow into the Otonabee River. For more information, please refer to Message #2022-05 issued 12:30 p.m., Wednesday March 16, 2022.
Risk to Kawartha Lakes, Otonabee River, and Rice Lake
A period of warm air temperatures and rainfall throughout the Haliburton Lakes/Reservoir Lakes Region will result in snowmelt/rainfall run-off to the Trent-Severn Waterway. However, this is not expected to result in significantly increased water levels and flows within the system. Further, weather conditions are not expected to induce ice-cover break-up on the Kawartha Lakes or Rice Lake. Along the Otonabee River ice cover has already disappeared exposing dangerously fast flowing and extremely cold waters.
Residents are reminded that water is a powerful force that should NEVER be underestimated. Caregivers are reminded that children are ESPECIALLY vulnerable and should not be allowed to approach moving water. Likewise, keep pets away from waterbodies and watercourses. Also, ice cover, where it exists, will be thin/weak and extremely hazardous – stay off frozen waterbodies. Be careful near riverbanks/lakeshores as they will be slippery. In addition, pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists are advised to observe and obey all road and path closure signs.
Area water information can be monitored on-line at:
- Trent-Severn Waterway’s Water Management InfoNet
- Water Survey of Canada Real-Time Hydrometric Data
- Otonabee Conservation Precipitation and Water Level Data
This WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT will remain in effect until Friday, April 01, 2022.
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