Message #2020-12
Issued: 1:00 p.m., Friday March 06, 2020
SUBJECT: Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety issued for all watercourses / waterbodies in the Region of Otonabee Conservation.
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.
CURRENT WATERSHED CONDITIONS and RISK – At this time of year, increasing solar radiation, longer daylight hours, and an oscillating jet stream combine to loosen the grip of winter on the Region. As a result, the Region experiences increasingly warmer average daily air temperatures and increasingly more rainfall than snowfall.
The Region’s seasonal conditions are above-zero air temperatures during the day, and below-zero air temperatures overnight. However, starting Sunday, March 8, the Region will experience approximately 70-hours of continuous snowmelt accompanied by a total of about 15 millimeters of rain on Monday / Tuesday before returning to more seasonal-like conditions. This snowmelt and rain event will result in run-off to lakes, streams, creeks and wetlands causing higher than normal water levels and flows, but no flooding.
High water levels and flows will combine with weak ice cover, slippery banks and extremely cold water temperatures to make area waterbodies and watercourses extremely dangerous. In addition, some road-side ditches, wetlands and other low-lying areas will experience ponding due to ice accumulations and frozen ground conditions that inhibit drainage.
It is most important, therefore, that area residents and visitors stay SAFE by Staying Away From the Edge of all watercourses / waterbodies – lakes, canals, rivers, streams, creeks, wetlands and drainage ditches. Also, where roads and pathways have become inundated due to poor drainage conditions, residents and visitors are strongly advised not to drive, cycle or walk into water that’s moving or more than 10 centimeters (4 inches) deep.
This WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT will remain in effect until FRIDAY, March 13, 2020.
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