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, April 28, 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 and City of Kawartha Lake within the Black, Burnt, Gull and
Magnetawan River Watersheds.
Runoff to local lakes and rivers has declined to more normal rates for this time of year.
Lower–lying portions of known flood–prone areas may still be impacted to various degrees
as lake/river levels remain close to their normal springtime highs.
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.
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
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
Environment Canada has issued a Special Weather Statement for 15–30mm of rain by April 23.
Description of Current Conditions
Lake water levels are generally within their normal ranges for this time of year and are
stable or declining. River flows are expected to continue to decrease over the next several
weeks.
Rainfall is not anticipated to have significant impacts within this bulletin area.
Lower–lying portions of known flood–prone areas such as Doe Lake near Katrine may
continue 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/surface–
water–monitoring–centre
• Environment Canada bulletins: www. weather.gc.ca
• A close watch on local conditions and weather forecasts from Environment Canada
is recommended.
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
28, 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: North Branch Muskoka River from Huntsville to Bracebridge,
South Branch Muskoka River from Lake of Bays to Bracebridge and the Bala Reach
and Moon River.
River flows will remain above flood thresholds over the next several days.
Lower–lying portions of known flood–prone areas are being impacted to various degrees.
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.
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.
