Ministry of Natural Resources - Bulletin - March 6, 2026

Ministry of Natural Resources - Bulletin - March 6, 2026

Watershed Conditions Statement - Water Safety
Peterborough Bancroft District

The Ministry of Natural Resources– Peterborough-Bancroft District is advising area
residents that a Watershed Conditions Statement - Water Safety is in effect in the District
until Friday, March 13, 2026.

Residents in Peterborough-Bancroft District area are advised to be aware of current
watershed conditions. Warm weather and rainfall in the forecast are anticipated to cause
water levels and flows in local lakes and rivers to rise.

Residents are reminded to keep a close watch on weather conditions, regularly check for
updated messages, and exercise caution near fast-moving rivers and streams.
The Ministry advises residents to exercise extreme caution concerning ice conditions. No
ice is safe ice.

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

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Description of Weather System

The amount of water stored in the snowpack for the area is slightly above average as of
March 1st (~120% of normal). The snowpack is well-formed and capable of absorbing some
rainfall.

Warmer weather is forecasted for March 6th to March 11th. Highs ranging from 7°C to 13°C
and lows near 0°C will condense and melt some of the snowpack.

Forecasts for Bancroft area are predicting 20mm-25mm of rain over the next 5 days.
Temperatures are forecasted to drop March 11th which will slow/stop any snowmelt that has
occurred.

Description of Current Conditions

Water Levels in most lakes and rivers are at or below target for this time of year. Rainfall and snowmelt are anticipated to cause some lake level and river flow increases.
The forecasted cooling temperatures after March 11th will stop any melting and allow the increased runoff to pass through the system.

DEFINITION

• 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.

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.