KAWARTHA LAKES-Kawartha Conservation (KC)has issued a Watershed Conditions Statement-Water Safety for our area.
A Water Safety message implies unsafe conditions on the local watercourses according to KC. High flows, unsafe banks, melting ice, or other factors that could be dangerous for recreational users such as anglers, canoeists, hikers, children, pets, etc. Flooding is not expected.
Officials say they will continue monitoring local watercourses and notify the public and municipalities within its watershed jurisdiction of any changes. This Watershed Conditions Statement-Water Safety will remain in effect until Thursday February 24, 2022.
No flooding problems are expected at this time, although the water levels in rivers and streams throughout the Kawartha Conservation watershed jurisdiction is expected to be moderately elevated in response to the weather conditions.
“All watercourses have the potential to be dangerous at this time of year and Kawartha Conservation is warning all residents to stay a safe distance from all streams and rivers, as well as water structures such as bridges, culverts and dams. The ice cover is not stable due to rapidly changing conditions and is, therefore, not safe for walking on, or for use of vehicles. Children should be warned of dangerous conditions around all watercourses and waterbodies and be supervised while outside.” stated conservation officials.
Northern tributaries, such as the Burnt and Gull Rivers are monitored by staff from the Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry (NDMNRF).
Residents along these two rivers are requested to direct any questions concerning water levels to the NDMNRF Minden Area office at 705.457.6434 or refer to the messages issued by the Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry at Ontario Flood Forecasting and Warning Program.
