Climate Corner April 2025 - Spring Flood Awareness in Muskoka – Be Prepared!

As of April 3rd,2025, the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR)has put Bracebridge-Minden-Parry Sounddistrictunder a flood warningfor the Muskoka and Severn Riverwatersheds. Runoff to local lakes and rivers has increased significantly with recent rainfall, snow melt and warm weather. Residents should expect water levels to riseand river flows to increase through into the week of April 7-11.The snow water equivalenthas beenslightly above the historical average for this time of year across the District.¹ Given the snow water content for the whole region is just slightly above normal we hopefully will have a slow melt through Marchand Apriland no major rainstormsto avoid a major flood this spring.

To view the most current locally issued flood messages issued by MNR, visit their Flood Forecasting and Warning Program webpage.

As we head into flooding season it is important to be prepared, here are some tips to keep in mindthis spring.

1. Be Aware:

Take time to learn about floods. Flooding has become the most frequent and costly natural disaster in Canada. Stay informedin an emergencyby downloading the VoyentAlert! App.Residents and visitors can select to receive notifications from a wide variety of communication channels including mobile apps, text/SMS alerting, email or voice calling.

2. Know your Risks:

No one knows your property better than you. Have you experienced flooding in the past? Have you checked the Muskoka GeoHubto see if your property is in the floodplain? Does your insurance policy include flood coverage? Do you know how to make a flood claim to your insurance company?

3. Minimize your Risk:

After assessing your flood risk, minimize the risk by taking proactive measures.Check out some tips in the District's Guide to Flood Prevention and Recovery.

4. Make a Plan:

Emergencies rarely happen when everyone is home. An emergency plan will prepare your family for what to do, how to find each other, and how to communicate. Make sure to practice and update the planas necessary. Review the Government of Canada's Emergency Preparedness Guide.

5. Prepare an Emergency Kit

Can you keep yourself and your family safe for 72 hoursafter an emergency? Have an emergency kit ready with items so that you and your family will remain safe and taken care of for at least 3 days after an emergency.Visit www.muskoka.on.ca/be-preparedfor a list of items suggested to includein your kit.

Sources:

Muskoka Watershed Council 2023 Report Card: Climate Change - www.muskokawatershed.org/wp-content/uploads/2023RC-BackgroundReport-13-Climate.pdf

MNR Watershed Conditions Statement - Flood Outlook Bracebridge-Minden-Parry Sound District: www.lioapplications.lrc.gov.on.ca/webapps/swmc/flood-forecasting-and-warning-program/files/minden-parry-sound-bracebridge.pdf