Watershed Conditions Statement - March 8th, 2024

Issued on March 8th, 2024 at 4:00 PM – The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, Pembroke District is advising area residents that a Watershed Conditions Statement - Water Safety is in effect in the district until Friday, March 15, 2024.

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

• Recent warm weather has resulted in the melting of the snowpack and lake ice. This combined with forecasted precipitation, will likely result in an increase to water levels on lakes and rivers.
• 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

This message is based on information received from MNRF’s Surface Water Monitoring Centre and Environment Canada.

A low pressure system is moving into the province over the next 2 days, bringing with it precipitation. Pembroke and surrounding area are expected to receive ~15mm of rain on Friday, 20-25mm for Saturday. The rain is expected to change to snow overnight Saturday night and could continue into Sunday evening. Significant rainfall amounts, and then snowfall amounts, are possible in several locations. Water levels are within averages for this time of year, but rain is expected to produce runoff and increase flows; however, no flooding is expected. Higher water levels are expected, and water may accumulate in low lying areas or areas of poor drainage.

Description of Current Conditions

The MNRF continues to closely monitor local lakes and rivers as this event progresses. Lakes and Rivers in the area are still at or below seasonal levels. Lake levels and flows in creeks and rivers will slowly rise as a result of the warm weather and forecasted rains. No flood related issues are predicted at this time.

A close watch on local forecasts and conditions is recommended.

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 Information

Kelly Danby

Pembroke District Office

Tel. (613) 504-2282

Website: www.ontario.ca/mnrf