THIS MESSAGE IS NO LONGER ACTIVE
Message #2022-07
Issued: 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 22, 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
A Texas low pressure system will arrive on Wednesday, March 23, 2022. The system is expected to bring rain possibly mixed with periods of freezing rain, snow, and ice pellets. Strong, cold easterly winds are also expected. Rainfall will peak in the evening and overnight hours. Total accumulations of 20 millimeters are expected on Wednesday with another 10-millimeter accumulation forecast for the remainder of this week.
Risk to Local Rivers, Streams, Creeks, and Wetlands
A separate Flood Watch Update 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.
Risk to Kawartha Lakes, Otonabee River, and Rice Lake
The Kawartha Lakes, Otonabee River and Rice Lake will NOT flood because of this event. During this event, inflows from the Reservoir Lakes/Haliburton Lakes Region to the Kawartha Lakes are expected to hold steady or increase only moderately. However, the Kawartha Lakes, Otonabee River and Rice Lake have sufficient capacity to handle any increasing inflows resulting from this event without exceeding their normal confines. Expect surface ice conditions that are already unsafe to become increasingly weak and possibly even break up because of the rising water levels coupled with strong winds.
Residents are reminded that water is a powerful force that should never be underestimated. Caregivers are reminded that children and pets should not be allowed to approach waterbodies/watercourses at this time of year. KEEP S.A.F.E. – Stay Away From Edges of riverbanks/lakeshores as they will be slippery and the banks may collapse because they are undercut. 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