Watershed Conditions Statement - April 12th, 2023

The Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry has released an updated Watershed Conditions Statement (Water Safety) for the Pembroke District. This Condition Statement is in effect until Thursday, April 17th, 2023 unless further information is provided by the Ministry. 

Access the Watershed Conditions Statement

Watershed Conditions Statement - Water Safety - Pembroke District

Wednesday, April 12, 2023 at 8:00 am

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry – Pembroke District is advising area residents that a Watershed Conditions Statement - Water Safety is in effect for the District until Monday, April 17, 2023.

Residents in Renfrew County / Pembroke District should Consider the following:

• Water levels and flows on the main stem of the Ottawa River are expected to begin increasing over the next few days as a result of the onset of the spring freshet and the above normal snowpack for this time of year in the Ottawa River basin. The levels and flows in the Ottawa River are currently close to normal but are expected to start rising sometime during the next few days.
• Water levels and flows along the Madawaska River are increasing as the area is experiencing significant melt of the snowpack. In the Kamaniskeg Lake area, expect outflow to be 150 m3/s over the next 3-5 days as the inflows are expected to remain high. Additional flow increases of 50 to 100 m3/s could be required in the next 5-7 days
• Runoff to local lakes and rivers is anticipated to increase significantly. Water levels and river flows are expected to rise with increased runoff. Reservoirs throughout the basin are being used. Residents in flood-prone areas are encouraged to closely follow changing conditions and to take necessary measures. Residents are advised to stay away from watercourses where flows are high and where banks might be unstable.
• Lower-lying portions of known flood-prone areas may be impacted to various degrees as lake/river levels rise over the next week.
• No ice is safe ice. Ice conditions on local lakes have deteriorated with warmer temperatures and changing water levels and flows.
• Residents and visitors should exercise caution while around waterbodies and maintain close supervision of children and pets.
• MNRF also advises 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.

The ministry is closely monitoring the weather and developing watershed conditions. Further updates will be issued as appropriate.

Technical Information

Description of Weather System

Daytime highs over the next week are forecasted to be around / above +20°C while nighttime lows will stay above zero. There is no precipitation expected.

Description of Current Conditions

The forecasted warm weather and rainfall from last week will cause the snowpack to melt rapidly. Increased runoff will cause lake levels and river flows to start to rise over the next couple weeks. Flooding may occur in low lying areas, areas down stream of water control structures and areas prone to concern. MNRF is closely monitoring the weather and developing watershed conditions. Further updates will be issued as appropriate.

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
• SHORELINE CONDITIONS STATEMENT – WATER SAFETY: indicates that along the Great Lakes shorelines high water, melting ice or other factors could be dangerous but flooding is not expected.
• SHORELINE CONDITIONS STATEMENT – FLOOD OUTLOOK: gives early notice of the potential for flooding along the Great Lakes shorelines based on weather and lake conditions, and water safety information.
• 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/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.

Contact

Kelly Danby

Pembroke District Office

613-504-2282

ontario.ca/mnrf