KAWARTHA LAKES-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.
Kawartha Conservation says water levels in the large Kawartha Lakes remain exceptionally high. As reported by the Trent-Severn Waterway officials, all lakes are equally overfilled.
- Balsam and Cameron lakes have remained stable over the last 24 hours. With no dam operations planned for today and some decrease in inflows from northern tributaries it is expected that lakes will stay at their levels for the next 48 hours.
- Water level in Sturgeon Lake has risen another 6 cm. It is anticipated that the water level in the lake will continue increasing at a similar rate for the next 24 hours.
- Pigeon Lake has increased by 12 cm since yesterday. In order to reduce the pressure on the Tri-Lakes and slow down the rate of its rise, the outflow through the Buckhorn dam was increased Saturday.
No precipitation is forecasted for the next 3 days. However, northern tributaries such as the Burnt and Gull rivers continue to provide very high inflows. As a result, the high water levels in the large Kawartha Lakes will be sustained.
As anticipated, water level in Lake Scugog has increased in response to the inflows from its tributaries. As those tributaries have peaked and are currently declining no further significant rise in the lake’s water level is expected.
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 to relieve pressure in the affected areas.
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.
