Watershed Conditions Statement - Water Safety
Bulletin
Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry
Watershed Conditions Statement - Water Safety
Bancroft District
Tuesday, April 12, 2022
3:00 pm
The Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry – Bancroft District is advising area residents that a Watershed Conditions Statement - Water Safety is in effect in the District until Wednesday, April 20, 2022.
Residents in Bancroft District should note there are increasingly high flows through water control structures due to spring conditions. These flows are being managed to mitigate, as much as possible, the impacts from snowmelt and rainfall. The public is advised to exercise extreme caution when near rivers and waterbodies and to stay away from open and fast flowing water, culverts, and dams. Please also note that ice remaining on lakes can be very unsafe.
The ministry is closely monitoring the weather and developing watershed conditions. Further updates will be issued as appropriate.
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Description of Weather System
This message is being sent on the basis of information received from NDMNRF-Surface Water Monitoring Centre, NDMNRF-Aviation Forest Fire and Emergency Management Services, Trent Severn Waterway (TSW) and Environment Canada.
Bancroft District could see precipitation accumulations between 30mm-40mm over the next 5 days. Daytime highs over the next week are forecast to range between 4oC and 15oC, while overnight lows range between 9oC and -4oC in the area.
Description of Current Conditions
The snowpack in the region has diminished significantly or completely melted in sections of the district. Runoff from snowmelt is beginning to reach local lakes and rivers contributing to increased flows. Declining temperatures over the weekend and into next week will slow snowmelt.
Residents are reminded to keep a close watch on conditions and regularly check for updated messages.
The NDMNRF and TSW continue to closely monitor local lakes and rivers as this event progresses. The NDMNRF is in regular communication with partner agencies and water control structure operators, including Conservation Authorities, Ontario Power Generation (OPG), Bracebridge Generation and TSW.
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.
Kris Windover, IRM Technical Specialist, Minden Field Office, 705-286-5207
Karen Dykxhoorn, IRM Technical Specialist, Bancroft District, 226-974-2622
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