Ministry of Ministère des Natural Resources Richesses naturelles
Bracebridge Area Office Parry Sound District 1350 High Falls Rd. Telephone: (705) 645-8747 Bracebridge, Ontario P1L 1W9 Facsimile: (705) 645-8372
Muskoka Parry Sound Freshet Water Conditions Update April 13th 2014 at 12:00pm
Snow
Parry Sound District MNR carries out snow surveys twice monthly over the duration of the winter. Snow stations are located near the Village of Rosseau, Arrowhead Provincial Park, Brooks Mills, Norway Point, Ouse Lake in Algonquin Park and near the Village of Sundridge.
Above normal snow water content has been measured across the region since early January 2014. The snow water content in the snow pack as of April 11 th is 20% above normal or 120% of the historical average in the area. Snow water content in the remaining snow pack has fallen from the April 4th th snow survey readings but remains above normal for this time of year.
Most managed lakes in the area are beginning to quickly trend up with rising inflows. MNR dams are currently prepared for optimal discharge through the spring melt.
Current status of water levels
Average Current Approximate Difference Start of High Lake Municipality/Area Summer Level Water Level rate of rise (m) Water Zone (MASL) (MASL) (cm/24h) Tea Lake Algonquin Park 417.7 417.43 0.27 418.2 8 Kawagama Lake Algonquin Highlands 355.6 354.64 0.96 356.07 6 Lake of Bays Lake of Bays 315.2 314.63 0.57 315.5 6 Wood Lake Bracebridge 301.05 300.91 0.14 301.67 3 Fox Lake Huntsville 294.4 294.59 -0.19 296 1 Huntsville Lakes Huntsville 283.8 283.33 0.47 284.3 6 Mary Lake Huntsville 280.75 280.51 0.24 281.15 7 Lake Rosseau/Joseph Muskoka Lakes 226.05 225.7 0.35 226.37 4 Lake Muskoka Bracebridge/Muskoka Lakes 225.4 224.99 0.41 226 7 Go Home Lake Georgian Bay 185.18 184.91 0.27 184.45 -6 Perry Lake Township of Perry 335.15 335.19 -0.04 335.9 8 Doe Lake Armour Township 293.95 293.87 0.08 295.9 13 Bernard Lake Sundridge/Strong Township 329.4 329.09 0.31 329.55 3 Cecebe Lake Municipality of Magnetawan 282.7 282.7 0 283.36 9 Ahmic Lake Municipality of Magnetawan 279.4 279.48 -0.08 280.1 13 Forest Lake South River 349.7 349.25 0.45 350.4 8 Dollars Lake Unorganized 205.5 205.26 0.24 NA 10 Crane Lake Archipelago 198.58 na #VALUE! NA na Otter Lake Seguin Township 207.17 207.23 -0.06 NA 4 Oastler Lake Seguin Township 204.5 204.4 0.1 NA 3
To meet with our staff please be sure to call ahead and make an appointment. For general information visit: www.mnr.gov.on.ca or www.ontario.ca
Current water flows
Early Flood Approximate Current River Municipality/Area Watch Flow Rise over Flow (cms) (cms) 24h(cms) Big East Huntsville 54 50 9 North Muskoka Huntsville/Bracebridge 81 75 5 South Muskoka (HH) Lake of Bays/Bracebridge 37 50 4 Oxtongue Lake of Bays 32 NA 6 Black Bracebridge 36 NA 5 North Magnetawan near Burks Falls Armour, Ryerson & Village of Burk's Falls 21 NA 5 South Magnetawan near Emsdale Armour, Ryerson & Village of Burk's Falls 19 NA 2 Magnetawan near Britt Unorganized 101 NA 13 Moon River at Highway 69 Georgian Bay / Archipelago 73 NA 3 Musquash River at Highway 69 Georgian Bay 89 NA -6.5 Shawanaga River Shawanaga FN 8 9 1
Weather Forecast and Implications
The weather forecast over the weekend of April12 th is for seasonal temperatures in the 8-13 degree Celsius range for daytime highs and near freezing at night with up to 65mm of precipitation through Monday April 14th. Seasonal temperatures and rain will continue to melt the snow pack and runoff from the melt will continue to enter local water courses resulting in high river flows and rapidly rising lake levels.
The timing or extent of anticipated flooding along river courses will be dependent on the amount and duration of rainfall that occurs today through Monday. Based on forecasted rainfall amounts for later today through tomorrow, flooding will likely occur tomorrow along the Big East River within the Town of Huntsville.
Water levels within lakes regulated by dams are currently within the lower portion of the normal operating range but continue to rise. As lake levels rise, river flows downstream of the dams will continue to rise as well.
Risks and Considerations
Ice Jams – have historically been preceded by rapid changes in weather and by colder than average winters. Attached is the Ministry of Natural Resources Ice Management Manual . It can also be found on the Surface Water Monitoring Extranet site publications section. A One-key account is required to access the SWMC extranet site and can be requested at the following link: https://www.iaa.gov.on.ca/iaalogin/IAALogin.jsp .
Debris – accumulation of debris, natural and human made, can accumulate in rivers and streams at points of lower flow velocities or eddies or where natural and manmade obstacles or “choke-points” exist (bridge abutments, river constrictions etc.). MNR monitors MNR dams to ensure a significant amount of debris does not accumulate potentially causing upstream impacts. Municipalities are responsible for ensuring their infrastructure is not causing upstream impacts due to accumulation of debris.
Slippery and unstable banks – please keep in mind saturated areas adjacent to still and moving water can be unstable and /or slippery any time but most especially during the spring. Please continue to encourage residents to stay clear of these hazardous areas.
Changing and volatile weather
As forecasts change, MNR monitoring and operational approaches for water management will be reviewed and may change as well. A weather forecast for significant precipitation and/or above normal temperatures may prompt local watershed/flood messages from the MNR Parry Sound District.
High Water and Floods
High water and floods can occur any time but spring presents the highest risk. Significant precipitation and rapid melting of the snow pack can result in a flood event. The Ministry of Natural Resources uses snow pack, weather, water level and flow information to determine the type and timing of local flood messages.
Any questions regarding watershed conditions such as water levels, flows and snow water content should be directed to:
Amanda Vincent Steve Taylor IRM Technical Specialist IRM Technical Specialist Parry Sound District Parry Sound District Bracebridge Field Office Bracebridge Field Office 705-646-5531 705-646-5509