The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, Pembroke District is advising residents that the Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety has been extended until April 22nd.
The MNRF says a Water Safety statement 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.
Residents in Renfrew County should keep a close watch on conditions, regularly check for updated messages and exercise caution near fast-moving rivers and streams. Residents who have a historic susceptibility to flooding should take appropriate precautions to protect their property, such as ensuring sump pumps are functioning and securing items that may float away as water levels rise.
Cooler temperatures and minimal precipitation over the next five days will result in continued, yet slow snow melt.
The MNRF says lake levels and flows continue to be moderately elevated but are still within normal ranges for this time of year. Ice on large lakes is starting to melt and most rivers and streams are ice-free.
Continued risks include degradation of ice and ice jam related flooding from increasing water levels and flows, fast moving cold water with rapidly changing conditions and flooding of low-lying areas with a history of flooding.
