The Town of Bracebridge is making efforts to ensure residents that they’re keeping a close eye on area water levels following substantial rainfalls.
In an effort to keep the community up-to-date on the issues surrounding water level fluctuations, earlier today the Town of Bracebridge shares a Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety Bulletin issued today by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF).
The Water Safety Bulletin is shared below and was issued today at 1 pm.:
“Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety
Parry Sound District of Muskoka
Including Muskoka River Watershed and Magnetawan River Watershed
The Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry (NDMNRF) – Parry Sound
District is advising area residents that a Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety is in effect until
Thursday July 15, 2021. This message will affect residents within the NDMNRF 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 flows are anticipated to remain over the next week as runoff from
recent rain moves through the river systems.
Residents are reminded to keep a close watch on conditions and regularly check for updated messages.
With recent rainfall the 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. Rivers are flowing much faster than usual for this time of year and may
be hazardous for recreational activities. Lake levels are currently higher than usual for this time of year
possibly causing some challenges for water activities.
NDMNRF also advises extreme caution when using forest access roads for outdoor activities as they may
become inundated with water, are prone to washouts and may become impassible due to localized
flooding.
Environment Canada has issued a Rainfall Warning effective Thursday July 8, 2021 that covers most areas
within Muskoka and Parry Sound. The rainfall warning calls for up to 50mm of rain today with another 25mm
forecasted within the next 7 days.
Daytime temperatures are below seasonal today and tomorrow with more seasonal temperatures
forecasted beginning Saturday July 10th
.
Water levels for most lakes are at or above their upper operating range for this time of year. River flows
are extremely high for this time of year.
The local watersheds have received upwards of 200 mm of rain over the past two weeks– this is more than
the average amount of precipitation the watersheds normally receive through the months of June and July
combined. This has caused saturated watershed conditions and significant runoff. Additional rainfall
forecasted for today and within the next 7-days is likely to cause lake levels and river flows to rise further.
Minor flooding within flood prone areas is possible.
NDMNRF is closely monitoring the weather and developing watershed conditions. Further updates will be
issued as appropriate”
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