MNRF Issues a Flood Watch Bulletin for the Gull River Watershed

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry – Bracebridge Minden Parry Sound District is advising area residents that a Flood Watch bulletin for the Gull River Watershed is in effect until Thursday May 11, 2023. This message will effect residents within the MNRF Bracebridge Minden Parry Sound District in the County of Haliburton and City of Kawartha Lakes.

Water levels and river flows are expected to rise over the next several days with runoff from recent rainfall.

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.

Be cautious if traveling on local waterways. Boat traffic during higher water conditions can cause damage to shorelines and to shoreline property with vessel wakes.

With recent rainfall 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. 

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 are reminded to keep a close watch on conditions and regularly check for updated messages.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Description of Weather System

Weather forecasts are currently calling for up to 16 mm of rain for this area between Tuesday May 2 and Monday May 8, 2023. Environment Canada has issued a Special Weather Statement for the area calling for an additional 10-15 mm of rainfall on May 1, 2023

Description of Current Conditions

Water levels in managed lakes within the Gull River Watershed are at or near full supply level for this time of year. Water levels and river flows are expected to rise as runoff from recent rainfall enters the system. Gull River water flows through the Village of Minden and Shadow Lake are anticipated to remain at or above bankfull flows for the next couple of weeks.

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.

• 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/flooding 

• Environment Canada bulletins: www.weather.gc.ca 

• A close watch on local conditions and weather forecasts from Environment Canada is recommended.

• Parks Canada maintains the Ontario Waterways Water Management InfoNet on the Trent-Severn Waterway website at https://parks.canada.ca/lhn-nhs/on/trentsevern/info/infonet/point-gestion-eau-water-management-updates 

Water Management Department, Parry Sound District Office

705-645-8747 or watermanagement.psdistrict@ontario.ca