Flood Watch: Rice Lake Shoreline
The Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority advises the water level of Rice Lake is currently at 186.93 m above sea level, which is 8 cm above normal for this time of year and 50 cm below the peak levels recorded during the flood of 2014. Water levels are currently rising at a rate of 7 cm per day and may reach levels capable of flooding low-lying shoreline areas. High amounts of rainfall and melting of the remaining snowpack in the Haliburton headwater areas is causing flooding on tributaries, such as the Gull and Burnt Rivers that drain into the Kawartha Lakes. As a result, water levels continue to rise on the Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River, which feeds into Rice Lake. The forecasted rainfall will cause an increase in local stream levels and flows, however no flooding is anticipated. This Flood Watch applies to the southern shoreline of Rice Lake within the Ganaraska Region will be in effect through Thursday, April 23rd, 2026.
STATEMENT ENDED: Flood Watch
THIS FLOOD WATCH HAS ENDED: The Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority advises water levels are expected to rise in response to heavy rainfall overnight. The Ganaraska Watersheds received between 30 and 50mm of rainfall this morning, March 31st, 2026, and a further 10 to 15mm is possible by this evening. Water levels and flows in local streams have been slightly elevated over the past two days due to warm temperatures melting the remaining snowpack. Ground conditions are saturated and will not absorb any more rainfall leading to higher rates of runoff. With the forecasted rainfall today, water levels and flows will continue to rise into this evening and will likely peak overnight. High water levels in local creeks could cause flooding of adjacent flood plains and low-lying areas. This Flood Watch applies to the Ganaraska River and local creeks within the Ganaraska region and will be in effect until Wednesday, April 1st, 2026 at 8pm. Conservation Authority staff will continue to monitor conditions and provide updates as necessary.