Flood Warning in Effect for the Region
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry – Bracebridge Minden Parry Sound District
is advising area residents that a Flood Warning is in effect for the French River and Lower
Pickerel River Watersheds. This message will remain in effect until Friday May 17, 2024.
This bulletin will affect residents within the MNRF Bracebridge Minden Parry Sound District
for portions of the District of Parry Sound within the unorganized Townships of Mowat, Blair,
and McConkey.
Residents and those visiting the area are advised to be aware of current watershed
conditions. Higher than normal water levels and flow conditions exist throughout the area
and residents are reminded to keep a close watch on weather conditions, regularly check
for updated messages, and exercise caution near fast-moving rivers and streams.
Lower-lying portions of known flood-prone areas may be impacted to varying degrees as
lake/river levels start to rise in response to significant precipitation. Residents and visitors
should exercise caution while around waterbodies and maintain close supervision of
children and pets.
MNRF also advises extreme 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.
Residents that have been affected by high water and flow conditions in the past should
continue to take necessary action to protect/secure any vulnerable property in proximity to
rivers and lakes and closely monitor developing conditions and regularly check for updated
messages.
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Description of Weather System
Weather forecasts suggest that the area may receive up to 14mm of rain over the next 7
days. This precipitation is anticipated to have minimal impact on flows as no additional
significant precipitation is forecasted at this time.
Description of Current Conditions
Water levels and river flows within the French and Lower Pickerel Rivers have remained
high over the past several weeks in response to previous precipitation events and high
water levels of Lake Nipissing. River flows are anticipated to remain stable and start to
decline with dryer weather conditions.
The ministry 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.
• 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/flooding
• Environment Canada bulletins: www. weather.gc.ca
• A close watch on local conditions and weather forecasts from Environment Canada
is recommended.
