The following was issued by the Ministry of Natural Resources on Friday, April 11, 2014 at 10:00 am
The Ministry of Natural Resources - Parry Sound District is advising area residents that a Flood Watch is in effect in the District.
Residents along rivers and lakes within the Parry Sound-Muskoka area are advised to keep a close watch on conditions, regulary check for updated messages and exercise caution around waterbodies as river flows and water levels continue to rise in the coming days. A significant potential exists for flooding due to current conditions and forecasted rainfall. Residents may wish to take any further action necessary to secure or protect property in flood-prone or vulnerable areas.
Local lakes are still ice covered which has the potential to impact shoreline infastructure such as docks and boathouses as water levels rise and with prevailing winds.
MNR is closely monitoring the weather and developing watershed conditions. Futher updates will be issued as appropriate.
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Description of Weather System
The current forecast is calling for up to 45mm or more precipitation Saturday, April 12th through Monday April 14th. The forecast through to next Monday is for daytime high temperatures in the range of 6-13 degrees Celcius with near freezing nighttime temperatures.
Description of Current Conditions
The water content within the existing snow pack throughout local watersheds continues to be significantly greater than the normal or historical average for early April. Forecasted temperatures and rainfall will accelerate the melt of the snow pack but flooding is not expected at this time. It is expected that the melting of the snow pack in addition to rainfall will significantly increase the amount of runoff into local waterbodies.
The rate of rise in water levels and flows is expected to increase through the weekend and into next week given current conditions.
Expiry Date: This message will expire Monday April 14, 2014 at 12:00 pm
Terminology: Notification Levels
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
WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT - WATER SAFETY: indicates that high flows, melting ice or other factors could be dangerous for users such as boaters, anglers and swimmers but flooding is not expected
**FLOOD WATCH: potential for flooding exists within specific watercourses and municipalities
FLOOD WARNING: flooding is imminent or occurring within specific watercourses and municipalities
Contact Information
For more information please contact:
Steve Taylor, IRM Technical Specialist, Parry Sound District: 705-646-5509
Amanda Vincent, IRM Technical Specialist, Parry Sound District: 705-646-5531
A close watch on local conditions and weather forecasts from Environment Canada is recommended. Environment Canada bulletins can be found at www.weather.gc.ca
The Surface Water Monitoring Centre public webpage can be found here: www.ontario.ca/flooding
