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 Thursday, August 3, 2023. This message will affect residents
within the MNRF Bracebridge Minden Parry Sound District for portions of the District of
Muskoka and County of Haliburton within Muskoka River Watershed.
Water levels and river flows continue to be higher than normal for this time of year.
Boaters are advised to 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.
High water levels and fast river flows can be hazardous to boaters, swimmers or people on
or close to the water. The 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.
Lower-lying portions of known flood-prone areas may be impacted to various degrees as
lake/river levels are anticipated to remain high for the next several days.
MNRF also advises extreme caution when using forest access roads for outdoor activities
as they may become 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.
Higher than normal rainfall through July has resulted in higher than normal water levels and river flows for this time of year.
Weather forecasts call for 30-60% chance of additional rainfall over the next seven days.
Lake water levels and river flows are generally above their normal ranges for this time of
year.
The watersheds are cascading systems – each waterbody feeds into the next downstream.
Runoff from rain cascades and compounds through the entire system affecting water levels
in each waterbody. It will take a number of days for the high water levels and flows to work
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.