The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry – Bracebridge Minden Parry Sound District is advising area residents that a Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety Bulletin is in effect for the district until Monday, March 18, 2024.

This message will affect residents within the MNRF Bracebridge Minden Parry Sound District for portions of the District of Parry Sound, District of Muskoka, and City of Kawartha Lake within the Black, Burnt, Gull, Magnetawan and Muskoka River Watersheds.

Due to unseasonably warm weather and fast deteriorating ice conditions, MNRF advises residents to exercise extreme caution concerning ice conditions. No ice is safe ice.

Runoff to local lakes and rivers are starting to rise with the arrival of the spring freshet. The spring freshet is approximately 1 month earlier that normal. Lower-lying portions of known flood-prone areas may still be impacted to various degrees as 

lake/river levels start to rise to their normal springtime highs. 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.

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.

Residents that have been affected by high water and flow conditions in the past should continue take necessary action to protect/secure any vulnerable property in proximity to rivers and lakes and closely monitor developing conditions and regularly check for updated messages.

The ministry is closely monitoring the weather and developing watershed conditions. Further

updates will be issued as appropriate.

Description of Weather System

The weather forecast is calling for daytime highs of -4°C to 11°C, and overnight lows are forecasted between -6°C and 5°C for the next 7 days. Forecasts are also anticipating that the area will receive 55-70mm of rain over the next 7 days.

Lake water levels are within their normal ranges for this time of year and rising with the onset of the freshet. River flows and lake levels are expected to increase over the next several weeks as runoff and precipitation move through the system.

Rainfall is anticipated to cause lake levels to rise, and river flows to increase. However, flooding is not expected at this time.

•  Surface Water Monitoring Centre public webpage: www.ontario.ca/page/surface-water- monitoring-centre

•  Environment Canada bulletins: www.weather.gc.ca

•  A close watch on local conditions and weather forecasts from Environment Canada is recommended.