Public Information Message
Watershed Conditions Statement: Water Safety
posted May 7, 2012
A Watershed Conditions Statement: Water Safety indicates that high flows could be dangerous for such users as boaters, anglers and swimmers, but riverine flooding is not expected.
Otonabee Region Conservation Authority (ORCA) advises municipalities and the public that a Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety has been issued for the region.
CURRENT CONDITIONS:
Owing to several months of below normal precipitation receipts and above normal air temperatures, area rivers, streams and creeks are currently flowing below their normal levels for this time of year and soil moisture levels are low. Also, evapotranspiration rates are high.
WEATHER OULOOK:
Peterborough region is on the northern edge of a train of severe thunderstorm activity expected to track along the Great Lakes starting this evening. Local rainfall amounts will be 30 to 50 millimetres.
RISK of FLOODING:
Owing to below normal water levels and soil moisture conditions, combined with high evapotranpiration rates, area lakes, rivers, streams and creeks are NOT expected to flood. However, intense downpours as a result of thunderstorms could result in localized flooding due to poor drainage.
CAUTION URGED:
The public is urged to be on the look-out for and to use extreme caution around all areas, such as road intersections, driveways, and pedestrian and bicycle crossings, if there occurs water ponding due to poor drainage. Also, the public is urged to use caution around all watercourses due to strong currents and slippery stream banks. Parents and caregivers are advised to keep children away from all waterways. Areas around dams, culverts and bridges should be avoided at all times.
Otonabee Region Conservation Authority staff will be monitoring water levels and weather forecasts closely as part of its flood forecasting and warning program.
Thank you.