SPRING FORWARD … BUT BEWARE OF LAKES, RIVERS, CREEKS WITH RAIN THIS WEEKEND, BEFORE COLD RETURNS LATER IN THE WEEK
Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com
MUSKOKA — Rain and warm temperatures may be signs of spring — along with clocks moving forward Sunday — but the Ministry of Natural Resources is advising residents that a “Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety” bulletin is in effect in the District until Friday.
And to be aware of conditions while around water bodies — and maintain close supervision of children and pets.
While cold is expected to return next week, they say that today higher than normal water levels and flow conditions may develop throughout the area and residents are reminded to keep a close watch on weather conditions, regularly check for updated messages, and exercise caution near fast-moving rivers and streams.
Water levels in most lakes are at or below target for this time of year but are expected to increase with forecasted precipitation and runoff from melting snow.
The MNR advises residents to exercise extreme caution concerning ice conditions — and warns no ice is safe ice.
The ministry is closely monitoring the weather and developing watershed conditions. Further updates will be issued as appropriate.
Description of weather system
Environment Canada has issued a rainfall Warning for much of the area.
Significant rainfall is possible Saturday.
The existing snow pack is expected to absorb some of this rainfall, but significant runoff is possible with snow pack melt and rainfall combined.
What: Total rainfall amounts of 35 mm to 50 mm and potential for thunderstorms, with daytime high temperatures up to 13⁰ C are possible.
When: Friday evening, March 6 through Saturday March 7.
Additional information: Daytime high temperature forecasted over 10⁰ C on March 7 and March 9, potentially causing temporary accelerated melt of the snow pack. Temperatures dip below freezing for an extended period by March 12.
Click on photos for slide show.
Description of Current Conditions
Water levels in most lakes are at or below target for this time of year. Rainfall is anticipated to cause lake levels to rise, and river flows to increase. The current snow water equivalent ranges from above the historical average for the western portions of the district (Magnetawan and Seguin River watersheds) to near normal for the eastern portions of the district (Muskoka, Black, Burnt, Gull River watersheds) for this time of year.
- 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.
LEARN MORE
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 and Climate Change Canada is recommended.
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