WATCH THE WATER

The water levels in the large Kawartha Lakes are expected to rise over the next few days due to higher inflows from northern tributaries such as the Burnt and Gull rivers.

As reported by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry and Trent-Severn Waterway, flow in the northern tributaries will keep increasing as a result of intensified runoff from the snowmelt and upcoming precipitation. As those rivers flow into the Kawartha Lakes, water levels of Balsam, Cameron, Sturgeon and Pigeon Lakes will continue rising. The daily rate of water level rise is expected to increase, compared to recent conditions. 

Water levels in local rivers and streams within the Kawartha Conservation watershed are slightly elevated at this time from ongoing spring snow melt and past precipitation events.

No flooding problems are anticipated at this time. However, all near shore areas should be considered dangerous. Currents in the vicinity of dams are swift and treacherous; remnants of ice cover where it still exists, is weak and unstable.

Kawartha Conservation is warning all residents to stay a safe distance from all water bodies, as well as water structures such as bridges, culverts, and dams. Shorelines and banks are saturated, and may be slippery and undercut. Children should be warned of dangerous conditions and caregivers should maintain a close watch on children who are outside.

Trent-Severn Waterway officials are monitoring water levels and flows throughout the system very closely and make adjustments to the water control structures as required. Additional information from the TSW is available at the Water Management InfoNet web page https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/lhn-nhs/on/trentsevern/info/infonet.

Water levels of northern tributaries such as the Gull and Burnt rivers continue increasing. For additional information on Gull and Burnt River conditions please refer to the messages issued by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) at https://www.ontario.ca/law-and-safety/flood-forecasting-and-warning-program or contact the Minden Area office at 705-286-5207.

This Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety – Kawartha Lakes will be in effect until Monday, April 15, 2019. 

Kawartha Conservation will continue monitoring water levels and flows and notify the public and municipalities within its watershed jurisdiction of any changes. We are in close communication with partner agencies such as the Trent Severn Waterway, Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, and neighbouring Conservation Authorities as to this situation.

If you are aware of or have concerns about flooding, please contact Kawartha Conservation at 705.328.2271 or 705.344.0155 after hours.