KAWARTHA LAKES-Kawartha Conservation has issued a Watershed Conditions Statement-Water Safety that will remain in effect until at least Monday March 15. They are warning all residents to stay away from water bodies, as well as water structures like bridges, culverts and dams. Children should be warned of dangerous conditions and caregivers should maintain a close watch on children who are outside.
The warm weather earlier this week has significantly reduced the snowpack around the Kawartha Conservation watershed. Kawartha Conservation’s observations show that snow has melted in open fields, while remnants of snow still exist in shaded and forested areas.
As expected, local rivers and streams responded to the runoff generated by the snowmelt. In addition, short but intense thunderstorms experienced throughout the watershed yesterday added to the runoff. As a result, water levels in local watercourses have increased sharply and peaked Thursday overnight, below the flooding thresholds. Some overland flooding in areas with poor drainage has been reported.
As no additional precipitation is predicted in the next 5 days, and air temperatures will return to below freezing marks, the water levels in local watercourses will continue to decline. However, all local rivers, streams, ditches and lakes will remain extremely dangerous. Riverbanks are slippery, unsafe and could be undercut. Water levels are high, stream currents are strong and temperatures dangerously cold. Ice cover on lakes has deteriorated and is extremely hazardous.
Kawartha Conservation is closely monitoring the weather and watershed conditions and assessing the flood hazard. For more information and to stay updated, please visit Kawartha Conservation News.
