FLOOD WATCH 2019

Post date: Apr 11, 2019 3:4:19 PM

This post marks the start of the 2019 Vankoughnet Flood Watch.  We have been tracking the spring water levels of the Black River since the "Great Flood" of 2013 and hope we never see flooding as bad as that again. 

With ice still on the river and significant snow pack in the surrounding lands, once again conditions are favourable to experience significant flooding along the Black River.  It could go either way, depending on how mother nature feels this spring.  

If there is significant rainfall and a sudden spike in temperature, water levels will rise fast.  The longer the cold temperatures stay into the spring, the higher the chance for a sudden warming that could cause water levels to spike.  

With warmer temps and rain in the forecast for the next week, the river should start to rise pretty quickly.

Over the next few weeks "we" will do our best to post river level updates, photos and videos.  You can also follow the story on Facebook and Twitter.   Just click on either in this article to go to the corresponding pages.

Check out our new Instagram account for more pictures at @vankoughnetnet!

Or

Google Photos: https://photos.app.goo.gl/CaS7PtrzhWExBhuw5

April 29 2019

SPRING HAS SPRUNG!

McCutcheon Bridge. Facing south.  photo by Chris Varga

It would appear that the Black River is now on the decline.  Most of the flooding in Vankoughnet has subsided, so this post will mark the end of the 2019 Vankoughnet flood watch. Any significant water level increase will still be posted. Water levels were pretty high this year and looked to be on track to surpass record levels set in 2013, but fortunately that did not occur. This is surprising since Bracebridge and many other areas are currently experiencing the worst flooding on record.

Thank you for all your support and interest throughout the last few weeks. Chris Varga

RIVER LEVEL RECORDING: 5ft-10in below the deck of McCutcheon bridge  April 29 2019, 8:00am

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April 28 2019

SPRING IS BACK!

Spring made a quick comeback after yesterday mornings snow.   The river level increased an inch over the last 24hrs, but with a beautiful day in store, levels should drop again.  Currently the only road in Vankoughnet with some flooding is Thompson Rd., but the town has removed the road closed signs, and it is passable.  

There is major flooding in Bracebridge still and the water level is on the rise.  More details here: https://www.bracebridge.ca/Modules/News/Search.aspx#

RIVER LEVEL RECORDING: 5ft-3in below the deck of McCutcheon bridge  April 28 2019, 9:30am

Videos by Chris Varga

Miriam Dr. Facing south  photo by Chris Varga

Thompson Rd. Facing south before bridge.  photo by Chris Varga

April 27 2019

SNOW???

Although we had lots of rain yesterday followed by this unwelcome white stuff overnight, the Black River water level has only increased about 5 inches in the last 24 hours.

RIVER LEVEL RECORDING: 5ft-4in below the deck of McCutcheon bridge  April 27 2019, 8:45am

McCutcheon Bridge. Facing North.  photo by Chris Varga

Low Falls Black River photo by Chris Varga

McCutcheon Bridge. Facing North.  photo by Chris Varga

McCutcheon Bridge. Facing South.  photo by Chris Varga

Brrrrr!  McCutcheon Bridge.  photo by Chris Varga

Photos & Video by Chris Varga

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April 26 2019

A very rainy day in store, but water levels on the Black River are currently almost exactly a foot lower than the last measurement taken on April 23rd.  No flooding on Vankoughnet Rd. or Old Victoria Rd. South of McCutcheon Bridge.  No update on Black River Rd, Thomspon Rd, or Miriam Dr.

RIVER LEVEL RECORDING: 5ft-9in below the deck of McCutcheon bridge  April 26 2019, 10:30am

Vankoughnet Rd. at McCutcheon Bridge. Facing North.  photo by Chris Varga

McCutcheon Bridge. Facing North.  photo by Chris Varga

April 24 2019

Despite some rain yesterday water levels continue to drop on the Black River. Hopefully we're through the worst of it. Unfortunately other areas in the Muskoka and beyond are currently experiencing record flooding

RIVER LEVEL RECORDING: Not taken today.

April 23 2019

Water levels dropped again. Vankoughnet. Road completely free of water and road closed signs removed.

RIVER LEVEL RECORDING: 4ft-8in below the deck of McCutcheon bridge  April 23 2019, 9:15am

Vankoughnet Rd. at McCutcheon Bridge. Facing North.  photo by Chris Varga

McCutcheon Bridge. Facing North.  photo by Chris Varga

April 22 2019 

GOOD TIMING

The water level dropped significantly since yesterday morning. Water level now at 4ft 1in below deck of McCutcheon bridge. Most of the water has left Vankoughnet road North of McCutchen Bridge, Just in time for Monday morning garbage pick up!

RIVER LEVEL RECORDING: 4ft-1in below the deck of McCutcheon bridge  April 22 2019, 8:30am

McCutcheon Bridge. Facing North.  photo by Chris Varga

McCutcheon Bridge. Facing North.  photo by Chris Varga

Vankoughnet Rd. North of McCutcheon Bridge. Facing North.  photo by Chris Varga

Vankoughnet Rd. North of McCutcheon Bridge. Facing North.  photo by Chris Varga

You can find more road closure info here: https://www.bracebridge.ca/…/town-servic…/Road-Closures.aspx#

April 21 2019 

HAPPY EASTER SUNDAY!

The Easter Bunny must have had a chat with mother nature, because despite a good amount of rainfall last night, the river level surprisingly dropped overnight.  Despite the decrease the town wisely officially closed Vankoughnet Rd. North of McCutcheon bridge, as it still would be risky to try to drive through.   The good news for people driving down Old Victoria road just south of McCutcheon bridge is it is now almost dry and quite passable.    Miririam drive towards Longford Reserve is still under significant water, as is Thompson Rd. and Black River Rd.  

You can find more road closure info here: https://www.bracebridge.ca/…/town-servic…/Road-Closures.aspx#

RIVER LEVEL RECORDING: 3ft-5in below the deck of McCutcheon bridge  April 21 2019, 8am

Vankoughnet Rd. at McCutcheon Bridge. Facing North.  photo by Chris Varga

McCutcheon Bridge. Facing North.  photo by Chris Varga

McCutcheon Bridge. Facing North.  photo by Chris Varga

Old Victoria Rd. just south of McCutcheon Bridge. Facing South.  photo by Chris Varga

April 20 2019

The river has dropped a "bit" or at least has not risen further since this mornings reading. However it has been raining off and on, with more rain in the forecast through until tomorrow morning. Residence driving down Old Victoria road have reported that the flooding just south of McCutcheon bridge is passable, but do so at your own discretion, unless the town closes the road as they did on Thompson's road yesterday. Residence down Miriam still reported that it is too deep to drive. So many can't get in or get out. Leave a comment if you have any updated info. Vankoughnet Rd. just North of McCutcheon bridge has significant flooding. If you have a vehicle with a low wheel base, it would be best to avoid this route. Black River road and Thompson's have not changed since yesterday. You can find more road closure info here: https://www.bracebridge.ca/…/town-servic…/Road-Closures.aspx#

The included video is a compilation of a few clips taken today between 1-3pm.

Video by Chris Varga

April 19 MORNING POST BELOW

The Black River continued to rise through the night. The water level is now at 2'6" below the deck of McCutchen Bridge and the water is now hitting the bottom of the bridge. Vankoughnet. Road north of McCutchen Bridge now has about 2 feet of water on it and is generally not possible. Old Victória Road is about the same just south of McCutchen Bridge and is not safe to pass through with small vehicles. We will follow up with more details later in the day.

RIVER LEVEL RECORDING: 2ft-6in below the deck of McCutcheon bridge  April 20 2019, 7:30am

April 19 2019

4pm update

The black river has escaped its banks! The first picture with the road close sign is from Thompson Road. Water level has risen over a foot since this morning at 8 AM. From 5'2" below McCutcheon bridge deck to 3'10" below the deck. The river is now creeping over Vankoughnet. Road North of McCutcheon bridge. Miriam Drive has significant flooding with over a foot of water in places. Thompson Road as seen in the first picture is completely closed. Black River Road has significant flooding as well.

RIVER LEVEL RECORDING: 3ft-10in below the deck of McCutcheon bridge  April 19 2019, 4pm

Thompsons Rd. April 19th 2019. Vankoughnet, ON photo by Chris Varga

McCutcheon Bridge Black River. Facing South. April 19th 2019. Vankoughnet, ON photo by Chris Varga

Miriiam Dr. Facing South. April 19th 2019. Vankoughnet, ON photo by Chris Varga

April 19 MORNING POST BELOW

REVENGE!

Significant rainfall over the last 24hrs had a big impact on the Black River water levels, rising almost 2ft. 

RIVER LEVEL RECORDING: 5ft-2in below the deck of McCutcheon bridge  April 19 2019, 8 am

McCutcheon Bridge Black River. Facing North. April 19th 2019. Vankoughnet, ON  

photo by Chris Varga

McCutcheon Bridge Black River. Facing South. April 19th 2019. Vankoughnet, ON  

photo by Chris Varga

April 18 2019

Rebound

A little rain and warm weather caused the river level to rise 3 inches from yesterday morning to this morning.  

RIVER LEVEL RECORDING: 6ft-9in below the deck of McCutcheon bridge  April 18 2019, 8 am

April 17 2019

Rewind

River level actually went down by an inch over the last 24 hours.   Yet another beautiful day, but heavy rain is in the forecast starting at 12am tonight and continuing through tomorrow.

RIVER LEVEL RECORDING: 7ft below the deck of McCutcheon bridge  April 17 2019, 8:30am

April 16 2019

Spring is back!

A cool night stopped the river from rising since yesterday morning, but a beautiful day ahead.

RIVER LEVEL RECORDING: 6ft-11in below the deck of McCutcheon bridge  April 16 2019, 9am

McCutcheon Bridge Black River. Facing North. April 16th 2019. Vankoughnet, ON  

photo by Chris Varga

Low Falls  Black River. Facing North. April 16th 2019. Vankoughnet, ON  

photo by Chris Varga

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April 15 2019

IT'S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS!

A messy LATE winter storm hit last night, blanketing the region with some sloppy white stuff making the scenery look more like a dreary November day. photo by Chris Varga

RIVER LEVEL RECORDING: 6ft-11in below the deck of McCutcheon bridge  April 15 2019, 9am

An increase of only 1 inch over a 24 hour period. Not a significant increase but levels may start rising faster from this point forward. 

Here are some pics and video from today:

Low Falls Vankoughnet, ON photo by Chris Varga

April 14 2019

Low Falls up close and personal

RIVER LEVEL RECORDING: 7ft below the deck of McCutcheon bridge April 14 2019, 9am

Just a 4in change from yesterday morning, from 7ft 4in to 7ft.

The ice went fast, but no significant water level increase.

Low falls sure is raging though.

April 13 2019

ICE OUT!

The annual Ice out is a thunderously amazing spectacle to watch and we were fortunate enough to catch a small video clip of the event.

Check out the Youtube channel for more videos.     Video by Chris Varga.

Just a day after posting the first flood watch post of 2019 things changed "rapidly" with a significant amount of the river ice giving way and washing down the river.  This was a significant surprise as there was still a lot of solid ice on the river 2 days ago.

photo by Chris Varga

THE FIRST RIVER LEVEL RECORDING OF THE SEASON: 7ft 4 inches below the deck of McCutcheon bridge April 13 2019, 9am

This is by no means a highly scientific method for measuring river levels, but it does provide a pretty good idea of how fast the river level is changing.  Measurements will be taken on an almost daily basis from today on-wards, until any flood risk has passed for the season.  

7feet 4inches from river level to the deck of the

McCutcheon bridge as of 9am April 12 2019.

photo by Chris Varga

How it's done:  A "specially designed" measuring pole marked with 1 inch increments is lowered to river water level from the same spot on the McCutcheon bridge.   The measurement shows how much distance is between the top of the water and the level of the bridge deck.   The lower the number, the higher the water.    So if its 8ft one day and 7ft the next, that means the river rose 1 ft in one day. :)

McCutcheon Bridge Black River. Facing North. Vankoughnet, ON   photo by Chris Varga

McCutcheon Bridge Black River. Facing North. Vankoughnet, ON   photo by Chris Varga

Low Falls Black River. Facing North. Vankoughnet, ON   photo by Chris Varga

April 11 2019:

McCutcheon Bridge Black River. Facing North. Vankoughnet, ON   photo by Chris Varga

McCutcheon Bridge Black River. Facing North. Vankoughnet, ON   photo by Chris Varga

McCutcheon Bridge Black River. Facing South. Vankoughnet, ON   photo by Chris Varga

Low Falls Black River. Facing North. Vankoughnet, ON   photo by Chris Varga