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Real-Time Water Levels Available on Muskoka GeoHub Web Mapping Portal

While spring brings the promise of warmer weather and longer days, it also brings a variety of conditions, including heavy rain, severe weather, and rapid snowmelt that can increase the risk of flooding in flood-prone areas.

This spring thaw, commonly known as the spring freshet, is a result of snow and ice moving and melting into our lake and river systems, which can last for weeks as the snowpack melts. Residents can prepare for the spring freshet by creating an emergency plan, preparing your property, putting together a 72-hour kit in case of emergency, and monitoring water levels in Muskoka.

“When it comes to emergency preparedness, we all have a role to play” shares Jeff McWilliam, Chief of Paramedic Services and Emergency Planning with the District of Muskoka. “No one knows your property better than you. Assess the risks in and around your property and make a plan. Prepare an emergency kit that will last you and your family at least 72 hours and be sure to include items such as water, food, medications, and supplies for your pet if you have one. Don’t forget to also subscribe to your town or township news page online for flood updates right to your inbox”.

For more information and resources on being prepared for a flood visit the DMM website at: www.muskoka.on.ca/flooding. 

Floodplain Mapping and Real-Time Water Levels

Floodplain mapping and real-time water levels for Muskoka are now available through the Muskoka GeoHub, Muskoka’s online web mapping portal. This new feature in the GeoHub Floodline and LiDAR mapping application displays a water level station layer showing real-time water levels in Muskoka.

With this tool, residents are able to see what the water level is at their property in Muskoka in real-time and compare that with the previous days’ water level reading as well as the historic high water level. The information is linked directly to map services from Natural Resources Canada and the data is updated automatically every day. 

Learn More!

You can access Muskoka GeoHub “how-to” videos at www.muskoka.on.ca/gis. These videos will show you how to access the Muskoka GeoHub, tips, tricks and where to find floodplain maps and real-time water level information.

2023 Water Quality Data Released

The District Municipality of Muskoka has released the results of the 2023 Lake System Health Water Quality Monitoring Program. The data includes recreational water quality monitoring results, shoreline assessments conducted through the Love Your Lake program, and the findings of several lake associations who have undertaken volunteer-based biological monitoring programs, including benthic macroinvertebrate monitoring.

The Lake System Health Water Quality Monitoring Program - 2023 Annual Report contains details of the monitoring program as well as data for each lake monitored in 2023. The report, as well as a list of lakes scheduled to be sampled in 2024, are also available on The District Municipality of Muskoka website at www.muskoka.on.ca/en/environment/lake-water-monitoring.aspx.

Lake Data Sheets for specific lakes can be downloaded from the Muskoka Water Web site at
http://www.muskokawaterweb.ca/lake-data/muskoka-data/lake-data-sheets.

Please call 705-645-2100 x4387 or email rebecca.willison@muskoka.on.ca if you have any questions about the Lake System Health monitoring program.