KAWARTHA LAKES-Currently watershed conditions are normal for the Kawartha Conservation watershed but Environment Canada is tracking a significant winter storm that is expected to pass through the Kawartha Conservation jurisdiction over the next few days.
Precipitation, up to 15 mm of rainfall followed by 20 to 25 cm of snow, is forecasted for the Kawartha region starting on Thursday, December 22, 2022, through to Saturday, December 24, 2022. Temperatures are expected to rise to +5 Celsius on Thursday, adding snowmelt to the expected rainfall. Friday will bring a cold front with temperatures dropping rapidly, leading to the potential for a flash freeze, followed by high winds gusting to over 50km/h. Widespread flooding is not anticipated, however, water levels and flows in watercourses across the Kawartha Conservation watershed jurisdiction are expected to rise and flows to increase rapidly during and after the rainfall period.
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, and that lake ice conditions are unsafe in many areas. Riverbanks can be slippery during rain events, especially
with snow and ice already on the ground, children should be warned of the dangerous conditions, and supervised while outside.
Northern tributaries, such as the Burnt and Gull River are monitored by staff from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF).
This Watershed Condition Statement – Water Safety will be in effect through Saturday December 24, 2022.
