THIS FLOOD MESSAGE HAS EXPIRED | Water Safety - March 8, 2024

Message #2024-04
Issued: 1:30 p.m., Friday, March 8, 2024

WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT – WATER SAFETY issued for Trent-Severn Waterway (TSW) for Kawartha Lakes, Otonabee River, Rice Lake and Trent River to Hastings and all Local Watercourses

ISSUED TO: Municipalities of Selwyn, Douro-Dummer, Asphodel-Norwood, Otonabee-South Monaghan, Cavan Monaghan, Trent Hills, City of Peterborough, and City of Kawartha Lakes, as well as Otonabee Conservation’s other partners in flood emergency management.

This WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT – WATER SAFETY is issued because expected rainfall events over the next 2 days will cause periods of higher-than-normal water flows/levels that may be dangerous. Flooding is not expected.

Weather Forecast

A low-pressure system is expected to enter our Region this evening (Friday March 8^th) and bring periods of heavy rainfall.  Showers will begin overnight, with the heaviest rainfall to occur on Saturday March 9. Total precipitation amounts of 30 to 40mm are expected.

Flood Risk for Local Watercourses

The forecasted rainfall on partially frozen/saturated ground conditions will result in direct surface runoff into low-lying areas, wetlands, ditches, and all local watercourses. Higher than normal water levels and flows are expected, but there is no risk of flooding. 

Flood Risk for Trent-Severn Waterway 

As spring melt conditions continue in the upper reaches of the Trent-Severn Waterway (TSW), the forecasted rainfall and snow melt will result in increased flows entering the Kawartha Lakes and Otonabee River. Water levels are expected to rise. Remaining ice cover on the Kawartha Lakes will continue to melt. Therefore, Otonabee Conservation advises that residents and businesses located on the shores of the TSW, closely monitor developing conditions.

Area residents and visitors are strongly advised that slippery stream banks and fast flowing cold water create hazardous conditions around all water bodies, especially in the vicinity of culverts and bridges. Any remaining ice cover should be considered weak and extremely hazardous. Please exercise caution around all water bodies and alert any children in your care, of these hazards.

Water information can be viewed and monitored on-line at:

• Trent-Severn Waterway’s Water Management InfoNet
• Water Survey of Canada Real-Time Hydrometric Data
• Otonabee Conservation Precipitation and Water Level Data

This WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT-WATER SAFETY is effective immediately and will remain in effect until Friday March 15, 2024, unless updated earlier.

For more information:
Neil MacFarlane| Flood Forecasting & Warning Duty Officer | 705-745-5791 x 231
orcafloodduty@otonabeeconservation.com | Flood Watch Hotline 705-745-5791 x 228