Water Safety Bulletin in Effect for Bracebridge-Minden-Parry Sound District
Provided by the Ministry of Natural Resources.
MUSKOKA LAKES, ON, March 6, 2026 – The Ministry of Natural Resources (“MNR” or "the ministry"), Bracebridge-Minden-Parry Sound District, is advising residents that a Watershed Conditions Statement - Water Safety Bulletin is in effect until Friday, March 13, 2026.
This bulletin applies to portions of the District of Parry Sound, District of Muskoka, and County of Haliburton, including the Black, Boyne, Burnt, Gull, Pickerel, Seguin, Severn, Magnetawan, and Muskoka River watersheds.
Residents and visitors are advised to use caution around waterbodies as water levels and river flows may increase due to forecast rainfall and melting snow. Lower-lying and flood-prone areas may experience localized impacts.
Summary:
- Rainfall Warning is in effect for much of the area
- 35 to 50 mm of rain possible from Friday evening, March 6 to Saturday, March 7
- Daytime highs up to 13°C may increase snowmelt and runoff
- Water levels in most lakes are currently at or below seasonal targets, but are expected to rise
- River flows are expected to increase across the area
The ministry is closely monitoring the weather and developing watershed conditions. Further updates will be issued as appropriate, see resources below.
Flood Safety & Preparedness
- Stay Informed: Monitor local weather forecasts and pay attention to Water Bulletins and flood messages issued by the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) and local authorities. Explore the provincial Flood Forecasting and Warning Program
- Keep Away From Flooded Areas: Never walk, wade, 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 emergency officials promptly and be prepared to leave the area if evacuation is recommended. Avoid unnecessary travel so emergency crews can respond safely. Prepare an emergency kit that is ready to take with you at a moment’s notice.
Flooding cannot always be prevented. Awareness, preparation, and caution are the best ways to reduce risk and protect yourself and your community.
Ice Safety: Think Twice Before You Step on Ice
No ice is ever completely safe. Recent warm temperatures followed by colder weather have created unpredictable and unsafe ice conditions across lakes and waterways.
If you plan to be on the ice, remember these key safety reminders:
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- Check Before You Go: Ice conditions can change quickly and vary across the same lake. Always check ice thickness often and do not rely on past conditions or tracks from others.
- Go With a Partner: Never go out alone. Let someone know where you are going, your route, and when you plan to return.
- Be Ready for an Emergency: Wear ice picks and a flotation or survival suit. Carry a whistle and a charged cellphone in case help is needed.
- Stay Away From Moving Water: Avoid rivers, locks, narrows, inlets, and outlets. Ice near moving or spring-fed water can be unsafe at any time.
- General Guidelines: Clear ice should be a minimum of 10 centimeters (four inches) for walking and ice fishing, 12 cm (five inches) for one snowmobile or ATV, 20-30 cm (eight to 12 inches) for a car or small pickup, and 30-38 cm (12-15 inches) for a medium truck.
For more information:
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- 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
- Surface Water Monitoring Centre public webpage: www.ontario.ca/flooding
- Muskoka Water Web provides detailed information on how to use the Lake Operating Plans and the Environment Canada Real-Time Hydrological stations at the “Checking water levels on your lake” page - http://www.muskokawaterweb.ca/water-101/water-quantity/checking-levels
- District Municipality of Muskoka provides near real-time water level observations for the main managed lakes on their Floodline and Lidar Mapping page: Hydrographs | *NEW!* Floodline and LiDAR Mapping 2.0
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For more information, please contact:
Nick Colucci
Director of Public Works
ncolucci@muskokalakes.ca
(705) 765-3156 Ext. 250
For general or media inquires, please contact:
Mia Palantzas
Communications Advisor
(705) 765-3156 x360
communications@muskokalakes.ca
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Township of Muskoka Lakes
1 Bailey St., P.O. Box 129,
Port Carling, ON, P0B 1J0
T: 705-765-3156 F: 705-765-6755
communications@muskokalakes.ca
Office Hours: 8:15 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
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