The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry –Bracebridge Minden Parry Sound District is advising area residents that a Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety Bulletin is in effect in the district until Thursday, May 18, 2023. This message will affect residents within the MNRF Bracebridge Minden Parry Sound District for portions of the District of Parry Sound, District of Muskoka, County of Haliburton and City of Kawartha Lakes within the Black River, Burnt River, French River, Gull River, Magnetawan River, and Muskoka River Watersheds.
Water levels and river flows remain higher than normal for this time of year.
Boaters are advised to be cautious if traveling on local waterways. Boat traffic during high water conditions can cause damage to shorelines and to shoreline property with vessel wakes.
The 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.
Lower-lying portions of known flood-prone areas may still be impacted to various degrees as lake/river levels as anticipated to remain high for the next several days.
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 continue 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
Runoff from significant rainfall that the area received on April 28 through May 2, 2023, has decreased over the past several days.
Weather forecasts call for seasonal to above seasonal temperatures with minimal rainfall over the next 14-days.
Description of Current Conditions
Lake water levels are generally at the higher end of their normal ranges for this time of year. Water levels are expected to decline where they are high or remain stable where they are normal over the next several days.
The watersheds are cascading systems – each waterbody feeds into the next downstream. Runoff from rain and snowmelt cascades and compounds through the entire system affecting water levels in each waterbody. It will take a number of days for the remaining high flows to work its way through the entire systems. Downstream water bodies may experience a delay in the full impact of the upstream inputs.
MNRF is closely monitoring the weather and developing watershed conditions. Further updates will be issued as appropriate.
