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Message #2022-10
Issued: 11:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 29, 2022
SUBJECT: 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
Wednesday, March 30, 2022, will see a warm front push through the Region bringing a high of 15 degrees Celsius and rain possibly mixed with a period of freezing rain, snow, and ice pellets. Total accumulations of 5 to15 millimeters are expected on Wednesday/Thursday before the storm is pushed out of the Region by a cold air mass. Near-seasonal to below-normal conditions are expected to dominate the Region through the first half of April.
Risk to Local Rivers, Streams, Creeks, and Wetlands
A separate Flood Watch Update message has been issued for the watersheds of the Indian River watershed, Ouse River and the tributary creeks that flow into the Otonabee River.
Risk to Kawartha Lakes, Otonabee River and Rice Lake
Water levels/flows on the Kawartha Lakes, Otonabee River and Rice Lake are average for this time of year. The Kawartha Lakes, Otonabee River and Rice Lake will NOT flood because of this 2-day 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. Surface ice conditions on the Kawartha Lakes and Rice Lake are already unsafe. In the coming days, surface ice conditions will become increasingly weaker and break-up at any time.
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.
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