MNRF Issues Watershed Conditions Statement

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 Friday, May 26, 2023. This message will affect residents within the MNRF Bracebridge Minden Parry Sound District for portions of the District of Parry Sound, District of Muskoka, County of Haliburton and City of Kawartha Lakes within the Black River, Burnt River, French River, Gull River, Magnetawan River, and Muskoka River Watersheds.

Water levels and river flows have generally returned to normal for this time of year but are higher than levels and flows observed during the summer recreation season.

Boaters are advised to be cautious if traveling on local waterways. Boat traffic during spring conditions can cause damage to shorelines and to shoreline property with vessel wakes.

The banks and shorelines adjacent to water bodies can be extremely slippery and unstable. Surface water temperatures are cool, as such 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.

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 forecasts call for seasonal temperatures with 30-40mm of rainfall possible on May 19 to 20, 2023.

Description of Current Conditions

Lake water levels and river flows are within their normal ranges for this time of year. Water levels and river flows are anticipated to increase slightly with forecasted rainfall.

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.

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

Water Management Team, Bracebridge Minden Parry Sound

District Office, 705-645-8747 or watermanagement.psdistrict@ontario.ca