Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com

MUSKOKA — While snow runoff to local lakes and rivers has in some areas north declined to more normal rates for this time of year, a wet weekend with 15-35mm of rain by Sunday has the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry issuing a Flood Watch for the North Branch Muskoka River from Huntsville to Bracebridge, South Branch Muskoka River from Lake of Bays to Bracebridge and the Bala Reach and Moon River.

They say river flows will remain above flood thresholds over the next several days, which mean flooding is imminent or occurring within specific watercourses and municipalities.

The MNRF is also issuing a Watershed Conditions Statement — Water Safety Bulletin for the coming week for larger sections of Central Ontario.

A special weather statement means high flows, melting ice or other factors could be dangerous for such users as boaters, anglers and swimmers but flooding is not expected. Their message affects residents in the Muskoka, Minden, Parry Sound and Kawartha City within the Black, Burnt, Gull and Magnetawan River Watersheds.

However, rainfall is not anticipated to have significant impacts within this bulletin area.

Huntsville Big East River in decline

Meanwhile, water levels north of Huntsville on the Big East River and in lakes around Huntsville also continue to decline.

A Town of Huntsville updates says over the next few days 30 – 35 mm of rain is anticipated and could stall the decline in lakes, rivers and in downtown areas.

They say a high volume of water is currently discharging from Huntsville and combined with water levels in Mary Lake, properties south of Brunel Locks may experience high water as water moves through the system.

But these levels are also anticipated to decline over the coming days.

Huntsville public works crews are assessing municipal roads impacted by flooding to assess and plan repairs to any damage as water levels start to recede.

Their Emergency Control Group and the MNRF continue to monitor conditions daily and will provide updates and resources as required throughout the weekend.

Residents are advised that properties in flooded areas using well water should assume the water is not safe to drink. Homeowners and property owners are responsible for monitoring their own wells.

The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) and the town’s building department are working together to ensure that residents have the resources they need to test their own well water. Well water sample kits and resources are available Town Hall, 37 Main St. East (second floor customer service desk) during regular business hours.

As well, the Huntsville SMDHU office at 34 Chaffey Street, will have kits and resources available April 24 for pick up and drop off.

As water starts to recede, residents and businesses are reminded that sandbags are considered contaminated waste. Residents can drop off used sandbags at Madill Yard (169 Madill Church Rd., Huntsville), Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Sandbags: Free sandbags and fill station behind the Canada Summit Centre (20 Park Drive) and Port Sydney Fire Hall (387 S Mary Lake Rd). There are limited numbers of pre-filled bags currently available.

Information on how to fill sand bags and how to build a sandbag dike can be found at Huntsville.ca

Residents and businesses should continue to take precautions to protect property as flooding is occurring.

Be cautious if travelling on Huntsville waterways due to the large amounts of debris floating in the system. Boat traffic currently risks causing damage to shorelines and to shoreline property with vessel wakes because of the high-water level. Lost property can be reported to the Huntsville OPP either online at opp.ca or call 705-789-5551.

They advise refraining from trying to view flooding locations and supervise children and pets closely in these areas. Keep access to flooded areas open for emergency responders. Riverbanks and flowing water are unpredictable at this time.

Visit Ontario.ca to learn more on what to do before, during and after a flood including the creation of a 72-hour kit.

For emergency text/SMS, email or voice calling updates in your area – Download and register the free Voyent Alert phone application.

Water levels within normal ranges

The MNRF adds that that while lake water levels are generally within their normal ranges for this time of year and are stable or declining. River flows are expected to continue to decrease over the next several weeks.

But lower-lying portions of known flood-prone areas such as Doe Lake near Katrine may continue to be impacted to various degrees as lake/river levels rise over the next week.

But lower-lying portions may still be impacted to various degrees as lake/river levels remain close to their normal springtime highs.

The MNRF urges cautious if travelling on local waterways. Boat traffic during high water conditions can cause damage to shorelines and to shoreline property with vessel wakes.

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 water bodies 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 impassable due to localized flooding.

Residents who may 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.

For more information:

• 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.

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