Flood Warning ended for Muskoka River; Flood Outlook in effect (until May 13, 2026)

By Township of Muskoka Lakes - May 07, 2026

Information provided by the Ministry of Natural Resources.

MUSKOKA LAKES, ON, May 7, 2026 – The Ministry of Natural Resources (“MNR”), Bracebridge-Minden-Parry Sound District advises residents that the Flood Warning, originally issued on April 13, has ended for select areas and a Watershed Condition Statement – Flood Outlook is in effect until Wednesday, May 13, 2026.

This message applies to the Gull River, Muskoka River and Magnetawan River watersheds.

Residents and visitors should anticipate lake and river water levels to continue to decrease in many areas, with some locations beginning to stabilize.

Lower-lying portions of known flood-prone areas and forest access roads may be impacted to varying degrees should significant rainfall occur.

Summary:

The Watershed Condition 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
Several areas are still experiencing elevated water levels and flows. In some locations, levels are comparable to those observed in 2019 and may result in localized infrastructure impacts and flooding.
Although water levels on several lakes have declined toward more normal operating ranges, some remain elevated and vulnerable to additional impacts should significant rainfall occur.
The 7-day weather forecast is predicting daytime highs of 7°C to 13°C and overnight lows between -1°C and 4°C with up to 8 mm of rainfall.

Be advised:

Residents that have been affected by high water and flow conditions in the past should continue to take necessary action to protect/secure any vulnerable property in proximity to rivers and lakes and closely monitor developing conditions.
Slippery stream banks and fast flowing, cold water will create hazardous conditions around all water bodies.
Keep a close watch on weather conditions, regularly check for updated messages on our website and social media, exercise caution near fast moving rivers and streams and maintain close supervision of children and pets.

Winter Drawdown:

Utilizing the flexibility within the Muskoka River Water Management Plan (MRWMP), MNR conducted a winter drawdown of water levels on Lake Muskoka to the bottom of the Normal Operating Zone (NOZ) by March 1, 2026.

Water Management:

Dam operators across the Muskoka River Watershed work collaboratively to manage the system in a safe and responsible manner consistent with the Muskoka River Water Management Plan (MRWMP).
The watersheds are complex cascading systems: water inputs received upstream must travel down through the watershed before exiting the system and permitting water levels to return to normal levels. This means that water levels and river flows for locations near the bottom of the watersheds can remain elevated for longer periods of time while the additional water works its way through system.

The MNR is closely monitoring the weather and developing watershed conditions. Further updates will be issued as appropriate.

Flood Safety & Preparedness

Stay Informed: Visit our Flood Information webpage for current advisories and flood resources, monitor local weather forecasts, follow us on social media or call the Township office directly at 705-765-3156 for the latest updates.
Keep Away From Flooded Areas: Never walk or drive through flooded roads or fast-moving water. Even shallow water can be dangerous and unpredictable.
Protect Your Property: Move valuables, fuel tanks, and equipment to higher ground. Secure docks, boats, and loose shoreline items that could float away.
Around Water: Keep children and pets away from flooded shorelines, rivers, culverts, dams, and spillways. Cold, fast-moving water is extremely hazardous.
Be Ready to Act: Follow instructions from Township officials and be prepared to leave the area if evacuation is recommended. Have a 72-hour emergency kit and plan ready to go on short notice. Learn more about Emergency Preparedness.

Learn more about what you should do before, during and after a flood, and where to get current flood information: Flood Information

Sandbags Available

Self-serve sandbags are available at Bala Sports Park (3224 Muskoka Rd. 169) and Hanna Park (40 Bailey St.)

Sandbag Disposal Locations (Free)

Hanna Park (40 Bailey St., Port Carling)
Bala Sports Park (3224 Muskoka Rd. 169, Bala)
Rosewarne Landfill (1062 Rosewarne Dr, Bracebridge)

Important Note: If dropping off at Hanna Park or Bala Sports Park, do not dump sand back into the existing pile. Place the filled sandbags next to the existing pile. For already empty sandbags, a designated bin will be on-site. Please do not use this bin for household garbage or other debris.

Flood Debris & Garbage

In the Township of Muskoka Lakes, garbage and recycling is managed by the District of Muskoka.

Items that don’t follow regular collection rules (i.e. bag limits and the Clear Bag Program) will not be picked up at the curb.

To support residents impacted by the April 2026 flooding event, the District has launched temporary fee relief programs for eligible flood-damaged residential waste.

For more information on flood debris disposal and relief programs, click the button below.

District of Muskoka | Flood Debris

For more information:

Township Flood Information Webpage: Flood Information
Flood debris disposal and relief programs via District of Muskoka: Spring Flooding - 2026
District Municipality of Muskoka provides near real-time water level observations for the main managed lakes: Floodplain Mapping
Muskoka Water Web provides detailed information on the Muskoka River Water Management Plan (MRWMP) and how to check water levels on your lake - http://www.muskokawaterweb.ca/mnr-resources/water-management/checking-levels
Environment Canada Real-Time Hydrological stations provide up-to-date information on water levels: https://wateroffice.ec.gc.ca/search/real_time_e.html and bulletins: www.weather.gc.ca
Flood Forecasting and Warning Program: https://www.lioapplications.lrc.gov.on.ca/webapps/swmc/flood-forecasting-and-warning-program/#ontarioFloodMap and https://www.ontario.ca/page/floods

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For more information on this advisory, please contact:
Water Management Team, Bracebridge Minden Parry Sound District Office
705-645-8747
watermanagement.psdistrict@ontario.ca

For more information on Township Operations, please contact:
Nick Colucci
Director of Public Works
(705) 765-3156 Ext. 250
ncolucci@muskokalakes.ca

For general, media or accessibility inquires, please contact:
Mia Palantzas
Communications Advisor
(705) 765-3156 x360
communications@muskokalakes.ca

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