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Message #2023-10
Issued: 1:30 p.m., Monday, March 27, 2023
WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT – WATER SAFETY issued for all area waterbodies and watercourses.
ISSUED TO: Municipalities bordering the Kawartha Lakes from Young’s Point to Lakefield, the Otonabee River, Rice Lake, and the Trent River to Hastings (Selwyn, Douro-Dummer, Otonabee-South Monaghan, Cavan Monaghan, City of Peterborough, and Trent Hills), and Otonabee Conservation’s other partners in flood emergency management.
Effective immediately, the FLOOD WATCH first issued March 20th is CANCELLED, and is replaced by a WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT – WATER SAFETY. A Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety is issued when high flows are dangerous, but flooding is not expected.
Weather Forecast: On Friday, March 31st, a low-pressure system is expected to deliver significant rainfall to the Region as it draws moisture from the Gulf of Mexico. However, until then, precipitation is expected to total less than 10 millimeters, providing a 4-day window for area water levels/flows to recede.
Watershed Conditions: Starting Monday, March 20th, water flows/levels steadily increased because of both snowmelt and rainfall run-off. Significant increases occurred Thursday, March 23rd, and Saturday, March 25th, when the Region experienced events characterized by warm air temperatures combining with rain falling on already saturated snow and frozen/saturated ground. As of last night, water flows/levels peaked because of a return to cooler air temperatures, overcast skies, a lack of rain and almost no remaining snowpack. Today, Monday, March 27th, water flows/levels are receding, albeit slowly.
Lake ice is now extremely unsafe. Area residents and visitors are strongly advised to stay off the lakes. While water levels and flows are on the decline, residents and visitors are nonetheless reminded to exercise extreme caution around the water because water at this time of year is both extremely cold and a powerful force that should never be underestimated. Caregivers are reminded that children and pets should not be allowed to approach the edge of waterbodies/watercourses.
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.
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-WATER SAFETY is effective immediately and will remain in effect until Monday, April 3rd, unless updated earlier.
For more information:
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