The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry – Bracebridge Minden Parry Sound District is advising area residents that a Flood Watch is in effect in the district until Friday, April 14, 2023. This message will affect residents within the MNRF Bracebridge Minden Parry Sound District for portions of the District Municipality of Muskoka, the County of Haliburton and City of Kawartha Lakes. River Sections included in this Flood Watch are: Irondale River
near Minden, Burnt and Black River within the City of Kawartha Lakes, Black River near Vankoughnet, Big East River near Huntsville, North Branch Muskoka River from Huntsville to Bracebridge, South Branch Muskoka River from Baysville to Bracebridge and the Bala Reach and Moon River.
Runoff to local lakes and rivers is increasing significantly. River flows in certain areas may rise to flood thresholds with increased runoff.
Lower-lying portions of known flood-prone areas are likely to be impacted to various degrees as lake/river levels rise over the next week.
No ice is safe ice. Ice conditions on local lakes have deteriorated with warmer temperatures and changing water levels and flows.
With rain, warmer temperatures and melting snow, banks and shorelines adjacent to water bodies can be extremely slippery and unstable. Residents and visitors should exercise
caution while around waterbodies and maintain close supervision of children and pets.
MNRF also advises extreme caution when using forest access roads for outdoor activities as they may become seasonally inundated with water, are prone to washouts and may become impassible due to localized flooding.
Residents that have been affected by high water and flow conditions in the past should take necessary action to protect/secure any vulnerable property in proximity to rivers and lakes and closely monitor developing conditions and regularly check for updated messages.
The ministry is closely monitoring the weather and developing watershed conditions.
Further updates will be issued as appropriate.
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Description of Weather System
Daytime highs over the next week are forecasted to range between +8°C and +23°C while nighttime lows range between +4°C and +10°C in the area.
Rain, up to 15mm is forecasted beginning on Saturday April 15.
Description of Current Conditions Lake water levels are generally within their normal operating zones for this time of year.
River flows are expected to increase with runoff from melting snow and are expected to reach flood thresholds in some areas.
The remaining snowpack ranges from average to above average for this time of year and is anticipated to melt this week with above seasonal temperatures.
Increased runoff will cause lake levels and river flows to continue to rise over the next several days.
Lower-lying portions of known flood-prone areas are likely to be impacted to various degrees as lake/river levels rise over the next week.
MNRF is closely monitoring the weather and developing watershed conditions.
Further updates will be issued as appropriate.
DEFINITIONS
• WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT – WATER SAFETY: indicates that high flows, melting ice or other factors could be dangerous for such users as boaters, anglers and swimmers but flooding is not expected.
• WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT – FLOOD OUTLOOK: gives early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts calling for heavy rain, snow melt, high winds or other conditions
• SHORELINE CONDITIONS STATEMENT – WATER SAFETY: indicates that along the Great Lakes shorelines high water, melting ice or other factors could be dangerous but flooding is not expected.
• SHORELINE CONDITIONS STATEMENT – FLOOD OUTLOOK: gives early notice of the potential for flooding along the Great Lakes shorelines based on weather and lake conditions, and water safety information.
• FLOOD WATCH: potential for flooding exists within specific watercourses and municipalities
• FLOOD WARNING: flooding is imminent or occurring within specific watercourses and municipalities.
LEARN MORE
• Surface Water Monitoring Centre public webpage www.ontario.ca/page/surfacewater-monitoring-centre
• Environment Canada bulletins: www. weather.gc.ca
• A close watch on local conditions and weather forecasts from Environment Canada is recommended.
