WATER CONDITIONS STATEMENT - WATER SAFETY

The following Watershed Conditions Statement has been released on the 17th June 2022 by the Crowe Valley Conservation Authority to provide an overview of current conditions.

Additional rainfall received in the Crowe Valley watershed on the 16th of June has increased lake levels and river flows, particularly on the Crowe River stretch from Marmora to Crowe Bay, where the Crowe River empties into the Trent River System and on Crowe Lake. 

Flows throughout the watershed are considerably higher than normal for this time of year.  The public should be prepared to anticipate these conditions to remain throughout the weekend and extend into next week due to the high volume of water passing through the watershed.  Relief from these conditions may begin later next week depending on precipitation forecasted for the 20th and 21st of June.  CVCA staff are releasing additional water at the Marmora dam today, which will increase flows downstream of this structure.  As a result, CVCA staff advise securing or moving docks, boats or any other items from the current river conditions.

Fortunately, no flooding is anticipated at this time. However, CVCA reminds the public to exercise extreme caution around all water bodies and to stay away from all water control structures including hydro plants. Parents need to inform their children there are dangers when fast flowing water is present. Therefore, it is especially crucial children and pets avoid rivers, streams and creeks with high flows.  Water flowing through culverts may also be extremely dangerous and should be avoided.

CURRENT FLOWS IN RIVERS AND LARGER STREAMS OR CREEKS CAN EASILY SWEEP PEOPLE INTO A DANGEROUS SITUATION CAUSING HARM OR DROWNING ACCIDENTS.  WATER PRESSURE ON THE UPSTREAM SIDE OF A DAM WILL PIN PEOPLE AGAINST THE STRUCTURE AND COULD RESULT IN A DROWNING DEATH.

All residents and visitors to the CVCA watershed should also pay attention to water conditions.  Should a beaver dam unexpectedly fail, the water it releases can easily wash out a road in a very short period of time.  Be alert when driving in the area.

CVCA staff will continue to monitor levels and flows daily and this Watershed Conditions Statement will be updated as conditions warrant. If there are any questions or concerns, contact Tim Pidduck, CVCA General Manager or Neil McConkey, Water Resources Supervisor at 613-472-3137. The CVCA watershed includes portions of the municipalities of Trent Hills, Stirling-Rawdon, Marmora and Lake, Havelock-Belmont-Methuen, North Kawartha, Wollaston, Limerick, Tudor and Cashel, Faraday and Highlands East.