THIS FLOOD MESSAGE IS NO LONGER ACTIVE
Message #2022-04
Issued: 12:00 p.m., Friday March 4, 2022
SUBJECT: Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety issued for all watercourses / waterbodies in the Otonabee Region watershed.
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, spring like weather will be affecting our region for the next 7 days. Starting Friday March 4th, daytime high air temperatures will steadily rise to above 0 degrees Celsius, peaking on Sunday with temperatures at 14 degrees Celsius. Daytime air temperatures above 0 degrees Celsius and overnight lows below zero will continue through Friday March 11th. Precipitation is expected to start Saturday evening with some freezing rain before changing to showers on Sunday March 6th.
Risk to Local Creeks and Rivers | The extended period of warm air temperatures, sunshine and rainfall will begin to melt the existing snowpack throughout our region. The combined precipitation and snowmelt will result in ponding water in low-lying areas and ditches and increased water levels and flows within the creeks and rivers.
Risk to the Kawartha Lakes, Otonabee River, and Rice Lake | With the extended period of warm air temperatures, sunshine and rainfall throughout the Haliburton Lakes/Reservoir Lakes Region and the Kawartha Lakes, snowmelt is expected to result in increased water levels and flows throughout the system. Increasing water levels on the Kawartha Lakes will, in turn, increase the water level/flow on the Otonabee River and Rice Lake. Rising water levels will often include ice-cover break-up on the Otonabee River. Ice/debris can accumulate around water control/water conveyance structures (e.g., dams, culverts, and bridges), possibly causing localized ice/debris jam.
Residents are reminded that water is a very powerful force and should NEVER be underestimated. Caregivers are reminded that children are ESPECIALLY vulnerable and should not be allowed to approach moving water. Also, ice cover, where it exists, will be thin/weak and extremely hazardous – stay off frozen water bodies. Be careful near riverbanks/lakeshores as they will be icy and slippery.
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 Monday, March 14, 2022.
For more information:
Neil MacFarlane| Flood Forecasting & Warning Duty Officer | 705-745-5791 x 231
250 Milroy Drive, Peterborough, ON K9H 7M9
orcafloodduty@otonabeeconservation.com | Flood Watch Hotline 705-745-5791 x 228