Flood Forecasting
Flood Forecasting and Warning
Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority (LSRCA) maintains a flood forecasting and warning system to provide early warning of possible risks to people and property from flooding.
We use stream gauges, weather stations, snowpack measurements, weather forecasts and computer models to determine the potential for flooding. When spring melt or severe storms are anticipated, LSRCA estimates the severity, location and timing of possible flooding.
Follow us on Twitter @LSRCA for the latest flood information within the Lake Simcoe watershed.
Flood Level Bulletins - Definitions
Riverine Flooding
Lake Simcoe Conservation Authority issues three levels of riverine messages to advise municipalities and watershed residents of the potential threat to public safety or property damage. The riverine warnings can be issued with, or independent of, the Lake Simcoe Shoreline Hazard messages.
Normal Conditions: No flood conditions exist.
Water Safety: High flows, unsafe banks, melting ice or other factors could be dangerous for recreational users such as anglers, canoeists, hikers, children, pets, etc. Flooding is not expected.
Flood Outlook: Early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts calling for heavy rain, snow melt, high wind or other conditions that could lead to high runoff, cause ice jams, lakeshore flooding or erosion.
Flood Watch: Flooding is possible to occur in the near future in specific watercourses or municipalities. Municipalities, emergency services and individual landowners in flood-prone areas should prepare for possible flooding.
Flood Warning: Flooding is imminent or already occurring in specific watercourses or municipalities. Municipalities and individuals should take action to deal with flood conditions. This may include road closures and evacuations.
Lake Simcoe Shoreline
The Lake Simcoe Shoreline Hazard Watch and Warning messages are issued when there is a potential for high water levels and waves along the Lake Simcoe Shoreline that could lead to flooding and erosion. The shoreline hazard warning can be issued with, or independent of, the riverine flood messages.
Learn more about our Lake Simcoe Shoreline water levels and flooding.
Current Flood Status
Check the current flood status for the Lake Simcoe watershed:
Shoreline Status
LSRCA also issues Lake Simcoe Shoreline Hazard Watch and Warning messages. These messages are issued when there is a potential for high water levels and waves along the Lake Simcoe Shoreline that could lead to flooding and erosion. The shoreline hazard warning can be issued with, or independent of, the riverine flood messages.
Understand Your Risk
Don’t wait until a flooding emergency happens to you… take the time now to understand your risk and prepare for a flood emergency.