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.

Description of Weather System
Weather forecasts call for up to 8 mm of rainfall with daytime high temperatures up to 18 degrees Celsius for May 4 to May 11, 2023.
Description of Current Conditions High water levels and river flows continue for Lake of Bays, South Branch Muskoka River, Lake Rosseau and Joseph, Lake Muskoka and the Bala Reach/Moon River.
River flows and lake water levels are expected to remain high for 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 additional rain to work its way through the entire system. 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.

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.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry – Bracebridge Minden Parry Sound District is advising area residents that a Flood Warning is in effect until Friday, May 12, 2023. This message will affect residents within the MNRF Bracebridge Minden Parry Sound District for portions of the District of Parry Sound within the unorganized Townships of Mowat, Blair, and McConkey. River Sections included in this Flood Warning are: French River and
Lower Pickerel River. Lower–lying portions of known flood–prone areas are impacted to various degrees.

The post Flood Warning Continues For Bracebridge, Minden, Parry Sound District, Bala Area appeared first on Muskoka411.

Sandbag Disposal
As flood waters start to recede and clean up begins, please ensure to properly dispose of sandbags.

• Wear personal protection equipment such as gloves, boots and eye wear to reduce your risk of exposure to bacteria, chemicals or other hazards that could be present on or in used sandbags;
• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after contacting floodwaters or handling debris or used sandbags;
• Due to the potential of contamination, do not re-use the sand in playgrounds, sandboxes or around your property;
• Do not dispose of sandbag in lakes, rivers, wetlands, floodplains, parks or other environmentally sensitive or protected areas.

Sandbags and any other flood debris can be disposed of at the Rosewarne Transfer Station at 1062 Rosewarne Drive. For more information on acceptable waste and fees, visit https://www.muskoka.on.ca/en/garbage-and-recycling/drop-off-locations-and-landfill.aspx

Road Safety
Public Works crews continue to monitor local roadways and municipally owned infrastructure. Due to changing conditions, road closures and cautions have been implemented.

Current road closures:

• Cridiford Road from 1165 Cridiford to the end

For more information on road closures and cautions in Bracebridge, visit:

• Road Status Update – Flooding;
• Town of Bracebridge road closures; and
• District Municipality of Muskoka road closures.

Safety First
Residents who have experienced flooding should remain cautious when entering their home and assessing the damage. If there is water in your basement and it’s above the electrical outlets or baseboard heaters, DO NOT enter. Call your utility provider immediately for them to disconnect power to your home.

• Lakeland Power, (705) 789-5442
• Hydro One, 1-888-664-9376

Flood waters can by contaminated with bacteria and chemicals. If private wells are affected by flooding, residents are advised to stop using them immediately and use an alternative water supply such as commercially bottled water for ALL water use. This includes for drinking, brushing teeth, preparing food including baby food and infant formula, cleaning, bathing, and hand washing.

Water Testing Kits are available at the Gravenhurst Office of the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit at 5 Pineridge Gate. Visit the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit website for more information on drinking water safety and flooding.

There continues to be a significant amount of debris in the waterways. Boaters are advised to use extreme caution and to be mindful of wakes that may affect flooded properties.

For more information on emergency preparedness, visit bracebridge.ca/emergencypreparedness.

The post Flood Warning Update And Recovery In Bracebridge appeared first on Muskoka411.

Updates as of April 25, 2023:

• Residents are advised that properties in flooded areas using well water should assume the water is not safe to drink. Homeowners and property owners are responsible for monitoring their own wells.  Well water sample kits and resources are available at Huntsville Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) office at 34 Chaffey Street, for pick up and drop off.

• Resident properties that have experienced flooding are reminded to use extreme caution when re-entering their home and assess their property structure to ensure it is structurally safe. Any submersed electrical panels should be reviewed by a qualified electrician. Learn more about what to look for in your home after a flood.
• Old North Road is open and there are currently no other posted road closures due to flooding. Any immediate repair work to roads have been completed and debris cleanup will begin over the next few days. Please continue to obey all posted signage and drive according to road conditions.
• Be cautious if traveling on Huntsville waterways due to the large amounts of debris floating in the system. Boat traffic currently risks causing damage to shorelines and to shoreline property with vessel wakes because of the high-water level. Lost property can be reported to the Huntsville O.P.P. either online at opp.ca or call 705-789-5551.
• Please refrain from trying to view flooding locations and supervise children and pets closely in these areas. Keep access to flooded areas open for emergency responders. Riverbanks and flowing water are unpredictable at this time.

The Town of Huntsville Emergency Control Group and Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) Officials will continue to monitor conditions daily and provide updates and resources as required.  The community is asked to follow Huntsville.ca for more information.

The post Residents Can Drop Off Used Sandbags In Huntsville appeared first on Muskoka411.

Old North Road has been repaired and is reopened.  The Town of Huntsville Public Works crews continue to assess Huntsville roads impacted by flooding and will plan repairs to any damage as water levels recede.

Updates as of April 23, 2023:

• Residents are advised that properties in flooded areas using well water should assume the water is not safe to drink. Homeowners and property owners are responsible for monitoring their own wells.  The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU), The Town of Huntsville’s Emergency Control Group and Huntsville’s Building Department are working together to ensure that residents have the resources they need to test their own well water. Well water sample kits and resources are available Town Hall, 37 Main Street East (second floor customer service desk) during regular business hours. The Huntsville SMDHU office at 34 Chaffey Street, will have kits and resources available April 24 for pick up and drop off.
• As water recedes, residents and businesses are reminded that sandbags are considered contaminated waste. Residents can drop off used sandbags at Madill Yard (169 Madill Church Road, Huntsville), Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm.

• Sandbags: Free sandbags and fill station behind the Canada Summit Centre (20 Park Drive) and Port Sydney Fire Hall (387 S Mary Lake Rd). There are limited numbers of pre-filled bags currently available.  Information on how to fill sand bags and how to build a sandbag dike can be found at Huntsville.ca
• Residents and businesses should continue to take precautions to protect property as flooding is occurring.
• Be cautious if traveling on Huntsville waterways due to the large amounts of debris floating in the system. Boat traffic currently risks causing damage to shorelines and to shoreline property with vessel wakes because of the high-water level. Lost property can be reported to the Huntsville O.P.P. either online at opp.ca or call 705-789-5551.
• Please refrain from trying to view flooding locations and supervise children and pets closely in these areas. Keep access to flooded areas open for emergency responders. Riverbanks and flowing water are unpredictable at this time.
• Visit Ontario.ca to learn more on what to do before, during and after a flood including the creation of a 72-hour kit.
• For emergency text/SMS, email or voice calling updates in your area – Download and register the free Voyent Alert phone application.

The Town of Huntsville Emergency Control Group and Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) Officials will continue to monitor conditions daily and provide updates and resources as required.  The community is asked to follow Huntsville.ca for more information.

The post Water Levels Are Improving In Huntsville appeared first on Muskoka411.

While water levels on Lake Rosseau have stabilized, Lake Muskoka is expected to continue to slowly rise and peak over the course of the weekend.  Accordingly, flows into the Bala Reach are expected to moderate over the next 24-72 hours. However, the significant amount of rain forecasted over the weekend may delay this stabilization of the water levels.

Residents are encouraged to continue to take precautions to protect their property. The Township continues to recommend that items close to the water’s edge and in the lower levels of boat houses be secured in order to prevent damage. It is further recommended that you disconnect boathouses from the electrical supply and weigh down docks that may be susceptible to floating away.

It is important to keep in mind that saturated areas adjacent to still and moving water can be unstable and/or slippery especially during the spring. The public is asked to please stay away from riverbanks and flowing water, and watch children and pets around these areas.

For those who choose to navigate waterways over the weekend, be mindful of speed, and the potential for floating debris. Lost property can be reported to the Bracebridge O.P.P. either online at opp.ca or call (705) 645-2211.

The public should be aware that the Township will not be installing any of the Municipal floating docks until water levels subside significantly.

Free sand and sand bags continue to be available at Hanna Park in Port Carling and the Bala Sports Park in Bala.

Residents are advised that properties in flooded areas using a well for potable water should assume the water is not safe to drink. Property owners are responsible for monitoring their own wells.  Please visit the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit website for more information on private water during and after a flood.

Residents should be prepared for an emergency by creating a 72-hour emergency preparedness kit and download the Voyent Alert! app to receive location-based updates should water become a concern.

Should you have concerns about water levels, please reach out to the Ministry of Natural Resource and Forestry’s Water Management Team at 705-645-8747 or email watermanagement.psdistrict@ontario.ca. In the event of an emergency, please call 9-1-1 immediately.

The post Muskoka Lakes Spring Freshet Update – April 22, 2023 appeared first on Muskoka411.

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.

The post River Flows Will Remain Above Flood Thresholds Over The Next Several Days appeared first on Muskoka411.

Current Conditions
The Black River is included in the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry’s flood outlook. Water levels have crested and are beginning to drop.

Local river sections included in the flood warning (imminent flooding expected) include the:

• North branch of the Muskoka River from Huntsville to Bracebridge; and the
• South branch of the Muskoka River from Baysville to Bracebridge.

Water levels in the Muskoka River continue to rise and properties along the river are experiencing flooding. Property owners are encouraged to secure their property, docks, and outdoor furniture, ensure sump pumps are working properly, and that water drains away from their home. An increased amount of debris in the Black River and Muskoka River is also being experienced.

Free sandbags and sand continue to be available at the Town of Bracebridge Municipal Office at 1000 Taylor Court.

Town of Bracebridge and Ministry officials are closely monitoring the weather and developing watershed conditions. Status updates can be found on the Ontario flood map.

Road Safety
Public Works crews continue to monitor local roadways and municipally owned infrastructure. Due to the increased water levels, road closures and cautions may be implemented. Exercise extreme caution when driving in changing weather conditions and obey all on-road signage and barriers.

River Road is currently closed from Taylor Road (MR 42) to 50 River Road, and caution is advised for portions of Wilson’s Falls Road and Sherwood Forest Road. Washouts are also possible on seasonal and private roads.

The post Bracebridge Experiencing Increasing Water Levels And Localized Flooding appeared first on Muskoka411.

Water levels downtown, in the Muskoka River and Mary Lake will continue to rise over the next few days as water makes its way through the watershed. Residents and businesses in these areas are encouraged to take precautions to protect property as flooding is occurring and is imminent in low lying areas.

The Town of Huntsville recommends being cautious if traveling on Huntsville waterways due to the large amounts of debris floating in the system. Boat traffic currently risks causing damage to shorelines and to shoreline property with vessel wakes because of the high water level.

Please refrain from trying to view flooding locations and supervise children and pets closely in these areas. Keep access to flooded areas open for emergency responders. Riverbanks and flowing water are unpredictable at this time.

Updates as of April 17, 2023:

• Sandbags: Free sandbags and fill station behind the Canada Summit Centre (20 Park Drive) and Port Sydney Fire Hall (387 S Mary Lake Rd). There are limited numbers of pre-filled bags currently available.
• Information on how to fill sand bags and how to build a sandbag dike can be found at Huntsville.ca
• Be aware of road closures and obey all posted signage.
• Visit Ontario.ca to learn more on what to do before, during and after a flood including the creation of a 72-hour kit.
• Residents are encouraged to check on family and friends in low lying areas prone to flooding to see if assistance is needed.
• For emergency text/SMS, email or voice calling updates in your area – Download and register the free Voyent Alert phone application.

The Town of Huntsville Emergency Control Group and Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) Officials will continue to monitor conditions daily and provide updates and resources as required.  The community is asked to follow Huntsville.ca for more information as conditions continue to evolve.

The post Huntsville Spring Freshet Update – April 17th appeared first on Muskoka411.

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.

The post Local Water Levels Are Dropping And Below Seasonal Norm, MNRF Says appeared first on Muskoka411.

This notice will effect residents within the NDMNRF Parry
Sound District which includes Muskoka, the Territorial District of Parry Sound and a north-west portion in the County of Haliburton.

Recent rainfall has caused water levels and river flows to rise.
Residents are reminded to keep a close watch on conditions and regularly check for updated messages.

With saturated soil conditions, 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.

NDMNRF 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.

Description of Weather System
Up to 9mm of rain 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 1°C and 17°C while nighttime lows range between +7°C and -5°C in the area.

Water levels in managed lakes are near the upper limit of their seasonal operating range for this time of year. The area has received approximately 30mm of rain since Saturday April 23.

The weather forecast is calling for mild temperatures and minimal rain over the next seven days.

Flooding is not anticipated at this time.

NDMNRF is closely monitoring the weather and developing watershed conditions. Further updates will be issued as appropriate.

The post Recent Rainfall Has Caused Water Levels And River Flows To Rise Across The Region appeared first on Muskoka411.