Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety
Pembroke District
Monday, March 17, 2025
12:00pm
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry – Pembroke District is advising area
residents that a Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety is in effect throughout
the district until Friday, March 28, 2025
Residents in Renfrew County / Pembroke District should consider the following:
Recent warm weather has resulted in the melting of the snowpack and lake ice. This
combined with forecasted precipitation and continued warm temperatures, will likely result
in an increase to water levels on lakes and rivers.
Residents in flood-prone areas are encouraged to closely follow changing conditions and to
take necessary measures. Residents are advised to stay away from watercourses where
flows are high and where banks might be unstable.
Lower-lying portions of known flood-prone areas may be impacted to various degrees as
lake/river levels rise over the next week.
Please remember, no ice is safe ice. Ice conditions on local lakes may start to deteriorate
with warmer temperatures and changing water levels and flows.
Residents and visitors should exercise caution while around waterbodies and maintain
close supervision of children and pets.
MNRF also advises 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.
The ministry is closely monitoring the weather and developing watershed conditions.
Further updates will be issued as appropriate.
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Description of Weather System
This message is based on information received from MNRF’s Surface Water Monitoring
Centre and Environment Canada.
Rainfall and warming temperatures that were experienced this weekend have resulted in a
significant reduction in the snowpack across the county. Forecasted warm temperatures
and rain have the potential to further reduce the snowpack and ice on lakes and rivers.
Water levels are within averages for this time of year, but rain and warm weather are
expected to produce runoff and increase flows. Higher water levels are expected, and water
may accumulate in low lying areas or areas of poor drainage.
Description of Current Conditions
The MNRF continues to closely monitor local lakes and rivers as this event progresses.
Lakes and Rivers in the area are still at or below seasonal levels. Lake levels and flows in
creeks and rivers will slowly rise as a result of the warm weather and forecasted rains. No
flood related issues are predicted at this time.
A close watch on local forecasts and conditions is recommended.
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/surfacewater-monitoring-centre.
- Environment Canada bulletins: www. weather.gc.ca
- A close watch on local conditions and weather forecasts from Environment Canada is recommended.
Pembroke District Office
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