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 Friday, March 17, 2023.
Residents in Bracebridge Minden Parry Sound District, which includes the District Municipality of Muskoka, the Territorial District of Parry Sound and the County of Haliburton, should exercise caution while around waterbodies and maintain close supervision of children due to changing water levels and ice conditions.
No ice is safe ice. Dropping water levels may weaken or otherwise adversely influence ice conditions.
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.
The ministry is closely monitoring the weather and developing watershed conditions.
Further updates will be issued as appropriate.
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Description of Weather System
The area has experienced seasonal weather with snowfall over the past week.
The 7-day weather forecast issued by Environment Canada is calling for daytime highs hovering around the freezing mark with overnight lows between minus 7 and minus 9 degrees Celsius.
Description of Current Conditions
Water levels are dropping and are generally below seasonal norms for this time of year. River flows are near normal. Water levels are expected to decline further over the next week or two.
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.
