Otonabee Conservation Issues Flood Watch Amid Snowfalls Forecast for Peterborough and Surrounding Areas

A flood watch update was issued by Otonabee Conservation for the Trent-Severn Waterway (Kawartha Lakes, Otonabee River, Rice Lake, Trent River to Hastings) and local watercourses on Tuesday, warning communities that signifiant precipitation could lead to flooding.

File Photo.

The Flood watch, issued to Municipalities of Selwyn, Douro-Dummer, Asphodel-Norwood, Otonabee-South Monaghan, Cavan Monaghan, City of Kawartha Lakes, City of Peterborough and Trent Hills and ORCA’s other partners in flood emergency management, states that precipitation accumulation could lead to flooding.

Falling snow and wind chill are ingredients that contribute to cooling of river/stream/creek water, promoting and accelerating the generation of frazil ice. Multiple days of frazil ice generation increases the possibility of frazil ice accumulation causing channel constriction and the back-up of water behind the accumulation/constriction, leading to flooding of adjacent low-lying areas.

Starting Tuesday night and continuing for the next 7 to 10 days, the forecast is for wind chills that will drop overnight lows well into the double-digits.

Beginning Wednesday afternoon and continuing through Thursday morning, Otonabee Conservation says a strong low-pressure system will bring high winds, cold air temperatures and significant snowfall. They are alerting municipalities, residents and businesses that floods are possible with those snowfalls expected in the next couple days, and advising those in low-lying, flood-prone areas to keep an eye out for frazil ice generation, accumulation and rising water levels and to prepare for potential flooding.

Wednesday and Thursday’s total snow accumulations are expected to be around 20 centimeters across the watershed. This winter storm is expected to be followed by a series of minor weather disturbances bringing more snow, albeit low accumulations and continued cold air temperatures into the early days of February.

Thursday and Friday’s temperature low is expected to be - 19 degrees while feeling closer to - 22 degrees.

Water levels can be monitored online at:

1. Trent-Severn Waterway’s Water Management InfoNet

2. Water Survey of Canada Real-Time Hydrometric Data 

3. Otonabee Region Conservation Authority website

This flood watch message will expire Feb. 2 unless updated earlier.

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Government of Canada Invests in Flood Protection Upgrades in Peterborough

$2.1 million in federal funding for infrastructure improvements helping to protect people and property from flooding has been announced by Member of Parliament for Whitby Ryan Turnbull and Mayor of the City of Peterborough His Worship Jeff Leal on Friday.

Photo courtesy of the city of Peterborough

This funding will support a $5.44 million project aimed to increase capacity of the Armour Road sanitary sewer, complete storm sewer upgrades and rehabilitate the Curtis Creek channel. By rehabilitating the creek’s shoreline as well as completing sanitary/storm sewer upgrades, this project will improve the waterway’s health while reducing overland flooding, sanitary sewer back-ups and basement flooding in nearby areas.

“Flooding disasters impact municipalities across Ontario and climate change is expected to only bring more flooding. Projects like this help to protect our communities from damage during flooding events – safeguarding homes, businesses and residents,” says Member of Parliament for Whitby Ryan Turnbull, on behalf of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities. “The Government of Canada’s continued partnership with provinces, territories, municipalities and Indigenous communities to mitigate the effects of natural disasters will ensure Canadians can continue to thrive in a changing climate.”

By investing in infrastructure, the Government of Canada says it is growing the country’s economy and increasing the resiliency in Canadian communities, thus improving the lives of Canadians.

The City of Peterborough says that by making these investments now, the City will have major economy-wide benefits in the future, and that every dollar invested in adapting and preparing for climate related disasters returns $13 to $15 in benefits.

“Infrastructure improvements are essential as the City of Peterborough continues to mitigate impacts of climate change. Thank you to the Government of Canada for contributing to the City's investment in the Curtis Creek project which will reduce flooding for area residents and businesses, protecting against property damage, and more importantly, protecting the safety and wellbeing of our residents,” says Mayor of the City of Peterborough His Worship Jeff Leal.

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Otonabee Conservation Issues Flood Watch to Peterborough and Surrounding Area

A flood watch update has been issued by Otonabee Conservation for the Trent-Severn Waterway and local watercourses on Thursday, urging residents to keep close watch for frazil ice.

file photo.

At 12:30 p.m. Thursday, Otonabee Conservation issued a flood watch for the Trent-Severn Waterway (Kawartha Lakes, Otonabee River, Rice Lake and Trent River to Hastings) and other local watercourses, alerting municipalities, residents and businesses that flooding is possible.

As a result of rainfall and snowmelt across the Trent-Severn, Parks Canada is managing high water levels and flows through the entire system. These high flows are expected to continue along the Otonabee River for the next seven to ten days, according to Otonabee Conservation.

The winter storm forecast is expected to generate frazil ice which may lead to flooding. Frazil ice (a kind of slush ice) can form when cold air temperatures and wind chill combine to cause surface water temperature to be super-cooled, but is unable to form a solid cover of ice because of fast moving water.

As frazil ice flows downstream, Otonabee Conservation says it will eventually come to rest against obstructions such as islands, bridge piers and abutments, in low velocity areas (bends, slope reductions) or in areas of channel constrictions, where it will accumulate. Where frazil ice accumulates, it is likely to cause a restriction of water flow downstream, resulting in a rise of water and possible flooding behind the frazil ice build-up.

Residents and businesses along the shores of the Otonabee River and Kawartha Lakes are strongly encouraged by Otonobee Conservation to keep a close watch for frazil ice generation, accumulation and jamming, and to take action to limit or prevent damages due to potential flooding.

This flood watch will expire Jan. 19 unless updated earlier.

Water levels can be monitored online at:

• Trent-Severn Waterway’s Water Management InfoNet

• Water Survey of Canada Real-Time Hydrometric Data 

• Otonabee Region Conservation Authority website

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Otonabee Conservation Releases New Floodplain Mapping Studies To Better Predict Flood Paths In The Area

Otonabee Conservation has undertaken extensive floodplain mapping projects in seven high priority areas within the Otonabee Region watershed.

Photo courtesy of Otonabee Conservation.

Floodplain mapping has been created in study areas within Meade, Curtis, Jackson, and Baxter Creeks, North and South Kawartha Lakes, Ouse River in Norwood, and for several tributaries around Lakefield.

The objective of floodplain mapping is to identify the areas expected to be inundated during extreme high-water events.

Floodplain maps use data and technical models to predict the path of floodwaters—the area known as the floodplain. A floodplain map does not create a flooding hazard, it simply shows where the flooding will occur.

A map of the floodplain helps to determine where new buildings may be located and if a property is at risk during a flood or storm event.

“We will use the new floodplain maps to help protect property and human life,” explains Don Allin, acting manager of Plan Review and Permitting Services at Otonabee Conservation, “Our eight partner municipalities will also use floodplain maps to help direct future development outside the floodplain and by integrating them into municipal official plans we will all help to mitigate the risks of developing inside areas that are prone to flooding.”

Property and homeowners can also use floodplain maps to see if they may be affected by the floodplain. By searching their address, anyone can see if the property in question is at risk during a flood or storm event and in some cases, property owners may need to take measures to protect existing buildings from flooding.

Otonabee Conservation is hosting a Virtual Floodplain Mapping Public Information Centre (PIC) is from March 9 to April 9, to encourage questions and feedback from watershed residents about new floodplain mapping projects. To participate in the PIC

• View Otonabee Conservation’s Floodplain Mapping Story Map

• Search by address on the online Interactive Floodplain Map

• Review Frequently Asked Questions

• Submit any further questions or comments to Otonabee Conservation

Visit otonabeeconservation.com for more information about the new 2022 floodplain mapping.

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Otonabee Conservation has Issued a Flood Watch for Peterborough and Surrounding Area

Otonabee Conservation issued a flood watch to Peterborough and surrounding municipalities on Sunday, that will be in effect until Tuesday.

File Photo

The flood watch has been issued to the Municipalities of Selwyn, Douro-Dummer, Asphodel-Norwood, Otonabee-South Monaghan, Cavan Monaghan, City of Kawartha Lakes, City of Peterborough and Trent Hills.

A slow-moving, moisture-laden Colorado low-pressure system is bringing widespread rainfall to the Region. It started overnight on Sunday and will continue through Monday and Tuesday.

Total local rainfall amounts of 30-50 mm are expected before the system leaves the Region. The Region will get a break from the soaking rain through mid-week, starting Wednesday. However, this period of fair weather will be short-lived, ending Friday, October 29th as another potent Colorado low-pressure systems will again bring total local rainfall amounts of 30-50mm over the weekend. During both rainfall events, localized amounts of 50+ mm are possible if heavy downpours also occur.

Expected rainfall and especially heavy downpours, combined with already moderately elevated water levels/flows in the Region’s lakes, rivers, streams, creeks, and wetlands may cause minor flooding in low-lying areas.

As a minimum, water pooling on roads and in low-lying areas and higher than normal water levels and flows can be expected, especially in the vicinity of culverts and bridges. Higher than normal water levels and flows will continue throughout the week and next weekend as the expected rainfall from the two events flushes through our waterways.

Residents are advised to be extremely cautious around all local lakes, rivers, streams, and creeks because shorelines/riverbanks will be slippery and could be undercut, and currents will be strong. Road-side ditches, wetlands and other low-lying areas may experience unsafe ponding conditions. Dams and other water control/water conveyance structures are especially dangerous and should always be avoided.

Otonabee Conservation is advising all area municipalities and residents to prepare themselves for possible flooding. Area water data and information can be monitored on-line at:

1) Trent-Severn Waterway’s Water Management InfoNet

2) Water Survey of Canada Real-Time Hydrometric Data

3) Otonabee Conservation Precipitation and Water Level Data

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ORCA Warns About Potential Of Serious Flooding In Kawarthas

Otonabee Region Conservation Authority has issued a Flood Warning Update for all watercourses and waterbodies within the Otonabee Region watershed.

Current watershed conditions, combined with the latest weather forecast, suggest that water levels on the Kawartha Lakes (Buckhorn, Chemong, Pigeon, Lower Buckhorn, Lovesick, Stony, Clear and Katchewanooka Lakes) could experience unprecedented heights in the coming days. Therefore, residents on these lakes are advised to prepare now by taking appropriate steps to protect themselves, their family members, their pets and their personal property.

In particular, the following known historical flood-vulnerable areas are advised to take heed of this flood warning (note that this is not an exhaustive list)...

In addition, the Otonabee Conservation advises that the Otonabee River may also experience unprecedented water levels/flows as a result of current watershed conditions, combined with the updated weather forecast.

Therefore, residents located in historically flood-prone areas are hereby advised to take appropriate steps to protect themselves, their family members, their pets and their personal property ahead of the rising waters. In particular, the following known flood-vulnerable areas are advised to take heed of this flood warning: Cambelltown; Rosa Landing Road; Bensfort Bridge area; Jones Road; Deyell Road; Seven Oaks Drive; Wallace Point area; Cedar Bank Road; Green Acres Road; and, Willow Road / Matchett Line area (note that this is not an exhaustive list).

As the Kawartha Lakes and Otonabee River rise, there may also be backwater and/or tailwater conditions that cause flooding on the tributaries to these waterbodies / watercourses including, but are not limited to, Ray’s, Sawer, Jackson, Meade, Byersville, Riverview, Tompson, Bears, Cavan, Baxter and Squirrel Creeks.

Furthermore, throughout the remainder of the Otonabee Region watershed, significant pooling/ponding can be expected in low lying areas where there is poor drainage. As well, local rivers (Indian and Ouse Rivers) and creeks, which are already flowing at rates well-above normal, will continue to experience very high flows, and may even exceed their normal confines in those areas of low sidewalls/banks. Hence, area residents located in historical flood-vulnerable areas are advised to prepare.

Also, area residents, as well as visitors to the area, are advised to observe caution around all waterbodies and watercourses because area lakes, rivers, streams and creeks pose a serious danger due to high levels, very fast flows and extremely cold water temperatures. Dams, culverts and other water control/water conveyance structures are to be avoided at all times.

This is a developing story. Follow @Ptbo_Canada on Twitter for the latest news.

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Here Are Kids Stand Up Paddle Boarding On Perry Street After Local Flooding

There is significant localized flooding happening in Peterborough today (September 21) as heavy rains fall in the area. Here are pictures and tweets coming in...

photo via @vanderherberg on Twitter

Stand-up paddling on Perry Street. What's up @PeterboroughSUP? #ptbo pic.twitter.com/jls79xxR1N

— Michael (@vanderherberg) September 21, 2014

@Ptbo_Canada @PboroExaminer @CityPtbo Man hole covers off and water spewing out at Parkhill & Monaghan! Cover laying in the road!

— Jennie Jay (@Hicktowngal) September 21, 2014

This is Franklin Dr. Just before Hilliard St. @Ptbo_Canada. Wouldn't go that way. To deep to go through. @thewolfca pic.twitter.com/6Lc5mVe8bW

— Peterborough Harman (@Aaron_Harman) September 21, 2014

There is a lake on Barnardo Ave #drainproblems #nowakezone #thunderstorm @Ptbo_Canada @ptbo_utilities @weathernetwork pic.twitter.com/MuCpiaJy8m

— Kate Dunford (@DunfordK8) September 21, 2014

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Look: Flooding In Peterborough

UPDATE: April 21st: ORCA advises things should begin to level off with the flooding along the Otonabee River over the next couple days—take a look at this video shot near Peterborough—but water levels remain high in the city (Del Crary Park is flooded), and rain is expected tomorrow. Take a look at these pics from today...

Silver Bean Cafe, pic via @LEGnCAS

Lock St closed at King George St. & McKellar St. due to flooding, pic via @TVCPtbo

Backyards underwater at Graham St. & Lillian Ave, pic via @TVCPtbo

Quaker Park Tennis Club, pic via @TVCPtbo

UPDATE April 20th: Yep, here's someone canoeing in Del Crary Park...

Canoeing in Del Crary Park, via @ScrappyLilAngel on Twitter

via @harleywpayne on Twitter

BREAKING: APRIL 20th. Here's the latest update from ORCA on flooding...

[UPDATE, April 20th]: These photos tweeted from above by Michael Alexander show the extent of flooding around Del Crary Park and Holiday Inn (protected by a giant water bag) on Little Lake...

Michael Alexander via Twitter

Michael Alexander via Twitter

Hugh MacMillan via Twitter

Monaghan Road at the bypass, via Hugh MacMillan on Twitter

Hugh MacMillan via Twitter

Scott Arnold

Scott Arnold, Graham Avenue at Lillian St.

[UPDATE, April 19th]: More pics from Scott Arnold of the flooding in Peterborough...

Crary Park entrance

Water under Crary Park stage

Crary Park under water

[UPDATE: April 19th]: BREAKING...
Flood Warning Update and Road Closure. A flood warning remains in effect for the City of Peterborough. The Otonabee Region Conservation Authority (ORCA) has advised that water levels will continue to rise in the lower Kawartha Lakes and Otonabee River over the next few days. City staff are closely monitoring the situation in consultation with ORCA, Trent Severn Waterway, Ontario Power Generation, as well as local dam operators, and are prepared to respond as required. Be advised that Lock Street at McKellar Street is closed to through traffic due to flooding. There is local access only. Please use alternate routes, such as King George and Park Street. Citizens travelling on Johnson Drive at the Highway #115 underpass are advised to use caution, as there is water over the roadway. Citizens are also advised to stay away from flooded areas and riverbanks due to fast moving water and the potential for unstable ground. City residents living in low-lying areas along the Otonabee River are encouraged to monitor water level changes on their properties, and to take necessary precautions to protect life and property. Docks and structures close to the water should be secured or moved, other personal effects should be moved to higher ground, and residents should consider moving personal belongings from lower levels of their home. Residents are advised that they should have sufficient and appropriate emergency supplies at the ready, and sump pumps and backflow preventers should be checked to ensure that they are functioning properly.

UPDATE No. 2 (April 18th): Here are photos by our Evan Holt of the Pedal 'n' Paddle (beneath the Silver Bean Cafe), which now has a few feet of water in it, and of East City...

UPDATED: Scott Arnold captured these dramatic images today (April 18th) of the flooding in Peterborough, as ORCA advises the situation is expected to worsen before it gets better...

Holiday Inn, protected by sandbags and huge water bag

Holiday Inn Waterfront Room

Holiday Inn patio under water

Holiday Inn parking lot leading to walkway

Holiday Inn parking lot getting washed out

Worker getting wires out of water and placing on roof

Little Lake building under water

Liftlock Cruise ticket booth

Paddle boarders

Lock 20

Beavermead Park

ORIGINAL POST (April 17th)

The Otonabee Region Conservation Authority (ORCA) has advised that water levels will continue to rise along the Kawartha Lakes and Otonabee River over the next few days, as a flood warning continues for Peterborough. City staff are closely monitoring the situation in consultation with ORCA, Trent Severn Waterway, Ontario Power Generation, as well as local dam operators, and are prepared to respond as required. City residents in low-lying areas along the Otonabee River are encouraged to monitor water level changes on their properties, and to take necessary precautions to protect life and property.  The City of Peterborough Public Works will be providing limited sandbags to those City residents that are in imminent danger of flooding for lower entry points on foundations such as doorways and window wells (not for riverbanks). Sandbags will be available for City residents to pick up on April 18th from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the Morrow Park parking lot; west lot, southwest corner. If at anytime city residents feel that they are in immediate danger by rising water, they should call 9-1-1. Scott Arnold captured these images (and video) below around Peterborough this evening (April 17th)...

Little Lake

Little Lake

Little Lake

McKellar St.

Ducks on McKellar

McKellar St.

Little Lake

McKellar

—Scott Arnold

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