Information Bulletin issued by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry for Friday March 31, 2021 at 3pm.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry – Parry Sound District is advising area residents that a Watershed Conditions Statement - Water Safety is in effect until Wednesday April 7, 2021.
This message will effect residents within the MNRF Parry Sound District which includes the District Municipality of Muskoka, the Territorial District of Parry Sound and a north-west portion in the County of Haliburton.
The recent increase in water levels and flow conditions are anticipated to remain over the next week as the snowpack continues to melt and the water moves through the system. Residents are reminded to keep a close watch on conditions and regularly check for updated messages.
With rain, warmer temperatures and melting snow, banks and shorelines adjacent to water bodies can be extremely slippery and unstable. Residents and visitors should exercise caution while around waterbodies and maintain close supervision of children and pets. Ice conditions are unsafe.
MNRF also advises extreme caution when using forest access roads for outdoor activities as they may become seasonally inundated with water, are prone to washouts and may become impassible due to localized flooding.
Description of Weather System
Little precipitation (4mm to 7mm) is forecast for the next 2 weeks. Daytime highs for Wednesday to Friday of this week are forecast to range between 6°C and -2°C while nighttime lows range between -3C and -9C. Temperatures are forecast to be above seasonal for 11 days, starting on Saturday, with daytime highs ranging between 8°C and 15C, and overnight lows ranging between 0°C and 4°C.
Description of Current Conditions.
Water levels of most lakes are within their seasonal operating range for this time of year [emphasis added]. The current snowpack is below average.
The forecast warm weather, limited rain and a melting snowpack will result in runoff which will maintain high flows and lake levels. Flooding is not anticipated at this time [emphasis added].
MNRF is closely monitoring the weather and developing watershed conditions. Further updates will be issued as appropriate.
DEFINITIONS
WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT – WATER SAFETY: indicates that high flows, melting ice or other factors could be dangerous for such users as boaters, anglers and swimmers but flooding is not expected.
WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT – FLOOD OUTLOOK: gives early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts calling for heavy rain, snow melt, high winds or other conditions
FLOOD WATCH: potential for flooding exists within specific watercourses and municipalities
FLOOD WARNING: flooding is imminent or occurring within specific watercourses and municipalities.
LEARN MORE
Surface Water Monitoring Centre public webpage www.ontario.ca/flooding
Environment Canada bulletins: www. weather.gc.ca
A close watch on local conditions and weather forecasts from Environment Canada is recommended.
