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 21, 2023.
This message will affect residents within the MNRF Bracebridge Minden Parry Sound District for portions of the District of Parry Sound within the Magnetawan River Watershed.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry – Bracebridge Minden Parry Sound District is advising area residents that a Flood Warning is in effect in the district until Friday, April 21, 2023. This message will affect residents within the MNRF Bracebridge Minden Parry Sound District for portions of the District Municipality of Muskoka. River Sections included in this Flood Watch are: Muskoka River Watershed including the 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 are expected 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 few days.
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 +4°C and +26°C while nighttime lows range between -2°C and +10°C in the area.Rain, up to 30mm is forecasted by April 21.
Description of Current Conditions
Lake water levels are generally within their normal ranges for this time of year but are expected to rise above their normal ranges. River flows are expected to increase with runoff from melting snow and are expected to reach flood thresholds in some areas in the coming days.
The remaining snowpack at higher elevations in the watershed is expected to continue to melt quickly.
I
ncreased 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 expected 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.
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.