MEDIA RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 31, 2021 2021 Freshet Update #4
BRACEBRIDGE, ON – To update our community on the issues surrounding the freshet season, we would like to share that the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) has downgraded from a Flood Watch for our watershed and has issued a Water Safety today. The Town encourages everyone to follow the instructions given and stay safe while near our waterways.
Watershed Conditions Statement - Water Safety Parry Sound District Including Muskoka River Watershed and Magnetawan River Watershed
Wednesday, March 31, 2021
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry – Parry Sound District is advising area residents that a Watershed Conditions Statement - Water Safety is in effect until Wednesday April 7, 2021.
This message will effect residents within the MNRF Parry Sound District which includes the District Municipality of Muskoka, the Territorial District of Parry Sound and a north-west portion in the County of Haliburton.
The recent increase in water levels and flow conditions are anticipated to remain over the next week as the snowpack continues to melt and the water moves through the system. Residents are reminded to keep a close watch on conditions and regularly check for updated messages.
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 waterbodies and maintain close supervision of children and pets. Ice conditions are unsafe.
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 impassible due to localized flooding.
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Description of Weather System
Little precipitation (4mm to 7mm) is forecast for the next 2 weeks. Daytime highs for Wednesday to Friday of this week are forecast to range between 6°C and -2°C while nighttime lows range between -3C and -9C.
Temperatures are forecast to be above seasonal for 11 days, starting on Saturday, with daytime highs ranging between 8°C and 15C, and overnight lows ranging between 0°C and 4°C.
Description of Current Conditions
Water levels of most lakes are within their seasonal operating range for this time of year. The current snowpack is below average.
The forecast warm weather, limited rain and a melting snowpack will result in runoff which will maintain high flows and lake levels. Flooding is not anticipated at this time.
MNRF is closely monitoring the weather and developing watershed conditions. Further updates will be issued as appropriate.
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MEDIA RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 31, 2021 2021 Freshet Update #4
DEFINITIONS
• 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.
LEARN MORE
• 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. • Water Management Department, Parry Sound District Office 705-646-5531 or [email protected]
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Town staff continue to monitor MNRF updates. As the annual freshet continues to develop, sandbags will be made available at the Municipal Office for resident use, when required.
For further information, contact:
Jared Cayley, Deputy Fire Chief/Community Emergency Management Coordinator (CEMC)
Phone: (705) 645-8258 ext. 401 E-mail: [email protected]
About Bracebridge – The Town of Bracebridge is located in the Heart of Muskoka, the epitome of Canada’s Cottage Country. With a population in excess of 16,000 permanent residents that doubles during the summer months, the community has a diversified economy that is highlighted by strong construction, hospitality and professional sectors. Bracebridge is the steward of the cottage country brand and is teaching the world the power of living the Muskoka lifestyle in its spirit, the arts, food, home and recreation. The Town is positioned on the 45th parallel, halfway between the Equator and the North Pole, and is recognized as Santa’s summer home.
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