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
until 4:00 pm Thursday April 6, 2023.
This message will effect residents within the MNRF
Bracebridge Minden Parry Sound District which includes the District Municipality of Muskoka, the Territorial District of Parry Sound and the County of Haliburton.
Runoff to local lakes and rivers is anticipated to increase. Water levels and river flows are expected to rise with increased runoff.
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 are reminded to keep a close watch on conditions and regularly check for updated messages
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Description of Weather System
Up to 29 mm of rain and 12 cm of snow is forecasted over the next seven days across the Parry Sound and Muskoka area. Daytime highs over the next week are forecast to range between 0°C
and 9°C while nighttime lows range between +4°C and -12°C in the area.
Description of Current Conditions.
Water levels in managed lakes are within their seasonal operating ranges for this time of year. The local snowpack is becoming saturated and varies from normal to above normal for this time of year.
The forecast warm weather and rainfall will cause the snowpack to melt faster. Increased runoff will cause lake levels and river flows to start to rise over the next couple weeks. Flooding is not anticipated at this time.
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
• FLOOD WATCH: potential for flooding exists within specific watercourses and municipalities
• FLOOD WARNING: flooding is imminent or occurring within specific watercourses and municipalities.
• Surface Water Monitoring Centre public webpage www.ontario.ca/flooding
• Environment Canada bulletins: www. weather.gc.ca
• A close watch on local conditions and weather forecasts from Environment Canada is recommended.