The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry – Parry Sound District is advising area residents that a Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety is in effect for the District which includes the District Municipality of Muskoka, the Territorial District of Parry Sound and a north-west portion in the County of Haliburton. This type of advisory indicates that high flows, melting ice or other factors could be dangerous but flooding is not expected.
High water levels and flow conditions are expected throughout the area following precipitation from a Colorado low moving through the area dropping up to 20mm of rain on Boxing Day. Residents are reminded to keep a close watch on conditions and regularly check for updated messages.
With cooler temperatures, banks and shorelines adjacent to water bodies are extremely slippery and unstable. Residents and visitors should exercise caution while around water bodies and maintain close supervision of children and pets. Travelling on the newly formed ice should be avoided.
MNRF also advises extreme caution when using forest access roads for outdoor activities as many are seasonally inundated with water, prone to washouts and may be impassible due to current water levels. MNRF is closely monitoring the weather and developing watershed conditions. Further updates will be issued as appropriate.
The current weather forecast calls for mainly mild daytime highs with the high reaching 7-10 degrees Celsius on Boxing Day. Boxing Day precipitation is currently forecasted at between 5 to 20mm depending on the weather service. Predicted accumulations will cause current levels and flows to rise somewhat over the next week.
Current water levels and flows are near normal for this time of year. Several weeks of snowy weather blanketed the area with an average of 50cm of snow depth containing 50mm of snow water content. If the forecasted precipitation and mild weather materializes on Boxing Day increasing flows and water levels can be expected. Additionally, slippery and unstable banks and extremely cold water temperatures can lead to very hazardous conditions around any water body.
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