Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com

PARRY SOUND-MUSKOKA — Rain and melting snow are causing water levels and river flows to rise.

That mild temperatures and precipitation mix has the province to declare a “water safety” advisory for the local area for at least the next week.

A forecast of cold weather through the weekend and into next week is expected to slow the current runoff and the rise in lake water levels and river flows are also expected to slow as well.

It says no flooding is anticipated at this time.

Friday’s weather forecast calls for up to 6mm of rain and 16cm of snow the next seven days across the Parry Sound and Muskoka area.

Daytime highs over the next week are forecast to range between 4°C and -8°C while nighttime lows range between -2°C and -15°C.

As a result, the Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry issued its Watershed Conditions Statement effective until Friday, April 1. It covers Parry Sound and Muskoka and the north-west Haliburton County.

The ministry says water levels in managed lakes are within their seasonal operating range for this time of year.

And that the current snowpack water content ranges from an average of 100mm in Muskoka to 71mm in the Magnetawan area.

The snowpack has lost 30% to 50% of its water content since March 15.

Residents are reminded to keep a close watch on conditions and regularly check for updated messages. Everyone should exercise caution while around water bodies and maintain close supervision of children and pets.

The MNDNRF says with rain, warmer temperatures and melting snow, banks and shorelines adjacent to water bodies can be extremely slippery and unstable.

It 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.

Ministry staff are closely monitoring the weather and developing watershed conditions. Further updates will be issued as appropriate.

Condition types:

• 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.

For more information:

• 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.

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