The Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority advises that the water levels in Lake Simcoe are higher than average for this time of year, due to recent rainfall and snowmelt. These higher-than-average water levels are posing a significant risk of flooding along the Lake Simcoe shoreline. Flooding has been reported in some localized low-lying areas. There is a high risk of dike failures in the Keswick, Kolbar and Bradford polders. Depending on wind conditions, there may be localized effects on lake levels, leading to increased flooding.
Forecasts are predicting approximately 30 mm of rain for the Lake Simcoe region over the next five days. As such, the water levels in Lake Simcoe may rise further in the coming days.
Lake Simcoe water level
The water levels in Lake Simcoe are above average for this time of year and may increase in response to the precipitation and inflows from rivers and streams within the system. Currently the lake level is approximately six centimetres higher than the average annual high-water level. The current water-level in Lake Simcoe is 219.21 m and may increase.
The following is a summary of the recent water levels on Lake Simcoe:
- April 24, 2025 (Current): 219.21 m
- April 16, 2025: 219.26 m
- April 8, 2025: 219.26 m
- April 7, 2025: 219.24 m
- April 4, 2025: 219.18 m
The current wind forecast indicates northwest winds for Saturday of 30 km/hr with wind gusts up to 60 km/hr. The forecast for the next few days ranges from 20 km/hr winds with gusts of up to 60 km/hr.
There is a significant risk of flooding adjacent to the lake in low-lying areas due to impacts of wind and wave action, rain, and continued flows in the system.
Water safety
Exercise extreme caution around all bodies of water. Please alert any children under your care to stay away from all watercourses and other bodies of water; and supervise their activities.
Residents, especially in the historically flood-prone areas, are advised to take necessary precautions to protect themselves, their pets, and their property.
This Shoreline Flood Warning be in effect through Wednesday, May 14, 2025 at noon, or until otherwise updated. This statement replaces the April 16, 2025, statement due to expire on April 30, 2025.
For further information, contact duty officer Kenneth Cheney at 905-895-1281.