The Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority has extended its flood watch for the southern shoreline of Rice Lake as elevated water levels continue to pose a risk for low lying properties.
Officials say Rice Lake peaked on Tuesday, April 21st at 187.20 metres above sea level, which is 14 centimetres above normal for this time of year and still well below the peak levels seen during the major flood of 2014.
Water levels have dropped by about 2.5 centimetres over the past 48 hours and are expected to continue declining with no major rainstorms in the forecast.
The high water is the result of heavy rainfall and melting snowpack in the Haliburton headwaters, which caused flooding on tributaries including the Gull and Burnt Rivers. That water flows through the Kawartha Lakes and Otonabee River before reaching Rice Lake.
While conditions are improving, conservation officials say shoreline flooding is still possible, especially during strong winds.
The greatest concern is expected Saturday, April 25th, when east winds of about 25 kilometres per hour could create wave action that pushes water into low lying shoreline areas.
Officials say it may take a week or more for water levels to return to normal summer conditions.
The flood watch remains in effect through Wednesday, April 29th.
Residents in flood prone areas are being urged to stay alert and call 911 in the event of a flood emergency.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
