Otonabee Region Conservation Authority: Flood Watch

Please be advised that the Otonabee Region Conservation Authority has issued a Flood Watch for local watercourses within its jurisdiction excluding the Trent Severn Waterway.

A series of moisture-laden low-pressure systems are forecasted to move through the region over the next 7 days. This is likely to bring periods of significant rain showers and warm air temperatures starting Friday March 6 through to Wednesday March 11. Total accumulation of up to 30 to 40 millimeters (mm) of rain showers on Friday and Saturday is possible. From Tuesday, March 10 to Wednesday, March 11, there is also the potential for up to 15-25mm of rain showers. Temperatures for the next 7 days are expected to be continuously above zero.

The current above-average snowpack in the region and frozen ground have a reduced capacity to absorb the forecasted rain and snowmelt. As a result, significant run-off is expected, which may cause:

• Rapidly increasing water levels and flows, creating the potential for flooding.
• Overland flow and ponding of water on roads, in low-lying areas and locations with poor drainage.
• Weakening ice cover and possible breakup.

Flooding along the Trent-Severn Waterway is not expected because the Kawartha Lakes, Otonabee River and Rice Lake have been drawn down to create capacity to accommodate the rainfall-snowmelt runoff from this event.

Residents along the shores of local watercourses, especially those located in low-lying areas, are strongly encouraged to watch for increasing water levels, and take action to limit or prevent damages in case of flooding. Water levels can be monitored at Trent-Severn Waterway, Water Survey of Canada and
Otonabee Conservation websites. Residents are also reminded to stay away from shorelines, and off the ice due to unsafe conditions.

This Flood Watch message will expire Thursday, March 12, 2026, at 3 p.m., unless up-dated earlier.

Contact Information:

Gordon Earle | Flood Forecasting & Warning Duty Officer | 705-745-5791 x 214
250 Milroy Drive, Peterborough, ON K9H 7M9
orcafloodduty@otonabeeconservation.com