Watershed & Environment

(Updated April 17) Locations of particular concern due to the potential for heightened impacts include Lake Muskoka and Moon River including the Bala Reach. Keep a close watch on weather conditions, exercise caution near fast moving rivers and streams and maintain close supervision of children and pets. 

MNR advises residents to take immediate action to safeguard homes and property. Flooding could occur quickly and with little or no warning.

Sandbags are available for self-serve pickup at Bala Sports Park (3224 Muskoka Rd. 169) and Hanna Park (40 Bailey St.)

The Ministry of Natural Resources, Bracebridge-Minden-Parry Sound District, is advising residents that a Flood Watch is in effect until Friday, April 17, 2026.

Summary:

• Higher-than-normal flows are occurring due to recent rainfall and snowmelt. Lake water levels in most areas of the district are within normal operating ranges, although lake water levels increased following last week’s precipitation.
• Slippery stream banks and fast flowing, cold water will create hazardous conditions around all water bodies.
• Residents that have been affected by high water and flow conditions in the past should continue take necessary action to protect/secure any vulnerable property in proximity to rivers and lakes and closely monitor developing conditions.
• Residents are reminded to keep a close watch on weather conditions, regularly check for updated messages, exercise caution near fast moving rivers and streams and maintain close supervision of children and pets.
• The 7-day weather forecast is predicting daytime highs of 4°C to 20°C and overnight lows between -4°C and 10°C with up to 90 mm of rainfall.

Remember, no ice is safe ice.

Remember, no ice is safe ice. 

Summary:

• Higher-than-normal flows are occurring due to recent rainfall and snowmelt
• Slippery stream banks and fast flowing, cold water will create hazardous conditions around all water bodies.
• Residents that have been affected by high water and flow conditions in the past should continue take necessary action to protect/secure any vulnerable property in proximity to rivers and lakes and closely monitor developing conditions.
• Residents are reminded to keep a close watch on weather conditions, regularly check for updated messages, exercise caution near fast moving rivers and streams and maintain close supervision of children and pets.
• The 7-day forecast is predicting daytime highs of 13°C to -2°C and overnight lows are forecasted between 3°C and -8°C with up to 3 cm of snowfall and 50 mm of rainfall. Yellow Rainfall Warnings have been issued by Environment and Climate Change Canada for portions of the district.

The Ministry of Natural Resources, Bracebridge-Minden-Parry Sound District, is advising residents that a Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety Bulletin is in effect until Thursday, April 2, 2026.

Summary:

• Higher-than-normal flows are occurring due to recent rainfall and snowmelt
• Slippery stream banks and fast flowing, cold water will create hazardous conditions around all water bodies.
• Residents that have been affected by high water and flow conditions in the past should continue take necessary action to protect/secure any vulnerable property in proximity to rivers and lakes and closely monitor developing conditions.
• The weather forecast is calling for daytime highs of -3°C to +7°C, and overnight lows are forecasted between -15°C to 0 °C for the next 7 days. Forecasts are also suggesting that the area may receive approximately 10mm to 15mm of rain and 5cm to 10cm of snow over the next 7 days.

Remember, no ice is safe ice.

The Ministry of Natural Resources, Bracebridge-Minden-Parry Sound District, is advising residents that a Watershed Conditions Statement – Flood Outlook & Water Safety Bulletin is in effect until Friday, March 27, 2026.

Remember, no ice is safe ice.

The Ministry of Natural Resources, Bracebridge-Minden-Parry Sound District, is advising residents that a Watershed Conditions Statement – Flood Outlook bulletin is in effect until Friday, March 20, 2026.

Summary:

• Higher-than-normal flows are occurring due to recent rainfall and snowmelt
• Residents in flood-prone areas should protect vulnerable property and monitor conditions
• Below-seasonal temperatures and significant snowfall are expected over the next two weeks
• Some areas within the District received up to 76.6 mm of rain from March 6 to 12, increasing runoff into lakes and rivers
• Colder temperatures are expected to slow runoff from snowmelt and forecast rain on March 16, 2026

Remember, no ice is safe ice.

Public Works crews have been servicing roads and are prepared for the forecasted weather. Staff and equipment are ready and crews will continue to monitor the situation as conditions progress.

Updates will be posted to muskokalakes.ca and on social media through Facebook, Instagram and X.

In effect until March 13, 2026. 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.

Think Twice Before You Step on Ice. Recent warm temperatures followed by colder weather have created unpredictable and unsafe ice conditions across lakes and waterways.

Plus, taking a few simple steps now can help provide peace of mind in the event of spring flooding.

Think Twice Before You Step on Ice. Recent warm temperatures followed by colder weather have created unpredictable and unsafe ice conditions across lakes and waterways.