Watershed Conditions Statement - Flood Outlook - Friday, March 21, 2025
Watershed Conditions Statement - Flood Outlook
Peterborough Bancroft District
Friday, March 21, 2025
Issued at 9:00am
The Ministry of Natural Resources– Bancroft Work Centre is advising area residents that
a Watershed Conditions Statement - Flood Outlook is in effect in the Peterborough Bancroft
District until Friday, March 28, 2025.
Runoff to local lakes and rivers has increased significantly due to the recent rainfall, snow
melt and warm weather.
Residents are reminded to keep a close watch on weather conditions, regularly checking for
updated messages, and exercising caution near fast-moving rivers and streams.
Residents and visitors should exercise caution while around waterbodies and maintain
close supervision of children and pets.
Flood prone properties along the York River downstream of Baptiste Lake that have been
affected in the past should continue to take necessary action to protect and secure any
vulnerable property.
Residents who have previously been affected by high water and flow conditions should
implement necessary measures to protect and secure any vulnerable property located near
rivers and lakes. They should continuously monitor evolving conditions and regularly review
updated messages and advisories.
The ministry is closely monitoring the weather and developing watershed conditions.
Further updates will be issued as appropriate.
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Description of Weather System
26mm of mixed precipitation is forecasted for the next 5 days. Evening lows below 0°C are
forecasted for the next 14 days.
Description of Current Conditions
Lake water levels and river flows are elevated and will remain elevated over the next week. A significant portion of the snowpack has melted following the rain that occurred on March 16th. Warm weather experienced since March 16th has further depleted the snowpack.
Forecasted evening lows will slow the melting of the remaining snowpack and allow water to move through the system.
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 and Climate Change Canada is recommended.
Nathan Hack, IRM Technical Specialist, Bancroft Work Centre, 613-202-1620
ontario.ca/mnr