FLOOD WARNING – KAWARTHA LAKES – Update - May 1, 2019

A FLOOD WARNING remains in place for the shoreline areas of Balsam, Cameron, Sturgeon and Pigeon lakes. There is potential for flooding to occur along shorelines, in near shore areas, and in low-lying areas as a large volume of water passes through the Trent River system.

Water levels in the large Kawartha Lakes remain exceptionally high. As reported by the Trent-Severn Waterway officials, all lakes continue to be above full level conditions. TSW continues to balance water levels across the entire system.

•                 As of today, water levels in Balsam and Cameron lakes have continued declining. Balsam Lake has gone down ~ 1 cm, while Cameron Lake has demonstrated a more substantial decline of 7 cm. Despite today’s rain, the inflows from the Burnt and Gull rivers are expected to continue their steady decline which will support the downward trend in the lakes’ water levels.

•                 The water level in Sturgeon Lake has increased by another 4 cm since yesterday morning. It is expected that the increasing trend in the water level will be sustained. An additional increase, up to 3 cm can be expected during the next 24 hours.

•                 As predicted, the Tri-Lakes system, including Pigeon Lake, has stabilized. It is forecast to continue to be stable or decline slightly over the next 24 hours.

Trent Severn Waterway’s officials monitor this situation closely. They are reassessing the conditions on a daily basis and adjusting the flows through water control structures as situation warrants.

Under these circumstances, all near shore areas should be considered dangerous. Currents in the vicinity of dams are swift and treacherous, banks wet, slippery and may be undercut. 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. Children should be warned of dangerous conditions and caregivers should maintain a close watch on children who are outside.

Shoreline residents are advised to take precautions to protect themselves and their property, to monitor water levels closely, and contact their local municipality should any threat of flooding develop.

 Municipalities are advised to monitor areas historically known for flooding and be prepared to respond to high water situations as they occur. Residents are advised to contact their municipalities should a flood threat develop. Local municipalities are first to respond to and assist with flood emergencies.

 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 or at 705-750-4064.

Burnt and Gull River levels are monitored by staff from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF). Residents along these two rivers are requested to direct any questions concerning water levels to the MNRF Minden Area office at 705-286-5207 or  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 .

For assistance in the event of a flood, and to obtain sandbags, please contact your local municipality directly.

Kawartha Conservation will continue monitoring local watercourses 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 on this situation.

This Flood Warning will be in effect until Friday, May 3rd 2019.  If you are aware of or have concerns about flooding, please contact Kawartha Conservation at 705.328.2271 or 705.344.0155 after hours.