ORCA Flood Watch & Watershed Condition Statement

Please be advised that on Tuesday March 31, 2026, the Otonabee Region Conservation Authority (ORCA) issued a flood watch for local watercourses. 

Issued to: Municipalities, water management authorities, Indigenous communities, Ministry of Natural Resources, and Otonabee Conservation’s other partners in flood emergency management for the Trent-Severn Waterway.

Weather: The Otonabee Conservation jurisdiction received between 20-30mm of rainfall overnight on Monday, March 30 and into the morning on Tuesday, March 31, 2026. The forecast has the potential for an additional 40-50mm between Tuesday to Sunday, April 5, 2026. (10-15mmTuesday, 10mm Thursday, and 20-25mm Saturday / Sunday).

Flood Risk Local Watercourses: Water levels and flows in local watercourses have increased due to the rainfall. Ground conditions are saturated and will not absorb any more rainfall leading to higher rates of runoff. With the forecasted rainfall Tuesday to Sunday, April 5, 2026, water levels and flows will continue to rise. As a result, there is potential for nuisance to minor-level flooding of low-lying, flood vulnerable areas along the banks of local watercourses. Ponding and pooling of water in areas of poor drainage is expected.

Floor Risk Trent-Severn Waterway: Recent precipitation and warm temperatures had created spring freshet conditions including melting of the local snowpack and increasing water levels & flows within the Trent-Severn Waterway. No flooding is expected. However, there remains a high safety risk due to slippery, unstable streambanks and melting ice. A Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety will remain in effect.

Action: Municipalities, Indigenous communities, local water managers, emergency services and individual landowners are advised to monitor conditions and prepare for potential flooding. Water levels can be monitored at Trent-Severn Waterway, Water Survey of Canada and Otonabee Conservation websites.

This Flood Watch & Watershed Condition Statement — Water Safety message will expire Thursday, April 9, 2026, at 3:00p.m. unless updated earlier.