Water Levels (once again)
Back in April and May of this year, we were concerned about high water levels and flooding. Now at the end of August, members are expressing concern about low water water levels due to the lack of rainfall and limited precipitation.
In conversation with LOBA Environment Chair Caroline Konarzewski,
Meghan Powell from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) indicated that we are in a drought situation and water levels are extremely low because of this. The warm temperatures and sunshine are evaporating, on average, 1 cm of water a day from our lake. Water has been released from higher up in Haliburton but no more can be released because their levels are low also.
Please exercise increased caution when boating. Close to shore, rocks and other hazards may be close to the surface. Watch your wake, as waves of any size can cause damage to boats moored in shallower than usual waters.
The Provincial Government has set up a Muskoka Watershed Advisory Group (
read more here
) and has named Doug McNeil as Ontario’s Special Advisor on flooding (
read more here
). The roles and responsibilities of the Advisory Group and Special Advisor are not yet clear, but as we learn more, we will keep you posted.