Parry Sound, ON – Parry Sound residents are being advised that a Watershed Condition Statement for Water Safety has come into effect for the shoreline of Georgian Bay.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry made the announcement this morning, adding that you should keep a close watch on conditions, regularly check for updated messages and exercise caution around the area as water levels are expected to remain high in the coming weeks and months.
The 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.
According to the MNRF, any storm surge and waves from wind and storm events are expected to worsen shoreline conditions, as those events occur.
There are heightened risks that result from these conditions include shoreline flooding, beach submersion, crawl space and septic system inundation and wave-driven erosion along some reaches of the shoreline.
If you own a sump pump, you’ll want to make sure they work properly and secure or protect any property in flood-prone or vulnerable areas.
With cool temperatures, the Ministry notes banks and shorelines adjacent to water bodies are extremely slippery and unstable and residents and visitors are advised to be cautious around water bodies and maintain close supervision of kids and pets.
The MNRF is closely monitoring the weather and developing watershed conditions and updates will be provided when they become available.
The statement will remain in effect until May 11.
According to a Weekly Water Level Update from April 14, levels on all of the Great Lakes remain near or above record highs.
Forecasts by the National Hydrologic Services indicate that Lake Huron/Georgian Bay’s level will likely exceed historical monthly mean water levels for at least the next 4 months, and could reach or surpass the maximum recorded monthly mean water level from 1986.
You can learn more through the Surface Water Monitoring Centre public webpage.
You can also keep an eye on Environment Canada’s local weather forecasts and updates.