Flood Warning

Bracebridge-Minden-Parry Sound District

Wednesday, April 22, 2026
11:30am

The Ministry of Natural Resources – Bracebridge-Minden-Parry Sound District is advising
area residents and visitors that a Flood Warning is in effect in the district until Wednesday,
April 29, 2026.
This message applies district‐wide across the MNR Bracebridge–Minden–Parry Sound
District, including portions of the District of Parry Sound, District of Muskoka, and County of
Haliburton. All watersheds within the district are affected, including the Severn, Boyne,
Black, French, Burnt, Gull, Pickerel, Seguin, South, Magnetawan, and Muskoka River
watersheds.
MNR advises municipalities and residents to take immediate action to safeguard homes
and property. Flooding could occur quickly and with little or no warning.
Several areas are 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.
Residents and visitors should anticipate lake and river water levels to start to stabilize in
some areas over the next week, with decreases possible in some locations.
Municipalities hold primary responsibility for emergency response to flood events, including
protecting residents and property, undertaking first response actions, and coordinating
recovery.
Go to https://www.ontario.ca/page/floods and your local municipality for more information.
Residents that have been affected by high water and flow conditions in the past should
continue to take necessary action to protect or secure any vulnerable property in proximity
to rivers and lakes and closely monitor developing conditions.
Lower-lying portions of known flood-prone areas may be impacted to varying degrees as
runoff enters local watercourses.

MNR advises residents to exercise extreme caution concerning ice conditions. No ice is
safe ice. Most lakes within the area are ice-free or have limited ice cover remaining.
Increased water levels and temperatures may erode the ice and create floating ice hazards
that could damage waterfront infrastructure.
MNR also advises extreme caution when using forest access roads for outdoor activities, as
many are seasonally inundated with water and prone to washouts. These roads may be
impassable due to current water levels.
Slippery stream banks and fast-flowing, cold water will create hazardous conditions around
all water bodies. 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 ministry is closely monitoring the weather and developing watershed conditions.
Further updates will be issued as appropriate.
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Description of Weather System
Generally dry and warm conditions are expected over the next seven days, which may limit
additional runoff.
The 7-day weather forecast is predicting daytime highs of 12°C to 17°C and overnight lows
between 1°C and 7°C with up to 10 mm of rainfall.
Description of Current Conditions
River levels and flows within the district remain elevated and are expected to persist across
most locations.
Lake water levels in several areas are near or have exceeded the upper limits of the
Normal Operating Zone (NOZ) and are now in the High-Water Zone.
Remaining snowpack is limited and is expected to have minimal impact on runoff.

DEFINITIONS
• WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT – WATER SAFETY: indicates that high
flows, melting ice or other factors could be dangerous for such users as boaters,
anglers and swimmers but flooding is not expected.

• WATERSHED CONDITIONS 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
• FLOOD WATCH: potential for flooding exists within specific watercourses and
municipalities
• FLOOD WARNING: flooding is imminent or occurring within specific watercourses
and municipalities.
LEARN MORE

• Surface Water Monitoring Centre public webpage www.ontario.ca/page/surface-
water-monitoring-centre

• Environment Canada bulletins: www. weather.gc.ca
• A close watch on local conditions and weather forecasts from Environment and
Climate Change Canada is recommended.

Water Management Team, Bracebridge Minden Parry Sound
District Office, 705-645-8747 or
watermanagement.psdistrict@ontario.ca