Water Management Update – May 18/17

From the TSW:

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May 18, 2017

Weather 

Significant rainfall occurring over April 28 to May 6 resulted in total precipitation amounts ranging from 85-160 mm during that period which increased water levels and flows across the Trent-Severn Waterway. Historical average rainfall for the entire month of May across the Trent-Severn ranges from 80-100 mm. Please check the website of your local conservation authority or the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry for the most up to date watershed conditions (links can be found at the bottom of this page). The weather forecast suggests that there is a risk of thunderstorms towards the end of the week and rain on the weekend. 

Haliburton and Northern Areas 

After a wetter than normal April (100-125 mm of rain fell versus the monthly average of 76 mm) the Haliburton area received a significant amount of rainfall (100-125mm) during the first week of May. Comparatively the average precipitation amount for the entire month of May in Haliburton is 93 mm. Consequently the Gull and Burnt River Reservoir Lakes are full or overfull. The Gull and Burnt rivers have recently peaked. Lake levels have begun to decline. Central Lakes are full or overfull. 

Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River 

The Kawartha Lakes levels are overfull. Levels have started to decline and will continue to do so as flows decrease on the Gull and Burnt rivers. The Otonabee River flow will continue to decrease. 

Rice Lake and the Lower Trent 

Rice Lake is overfull but it has peaked and levels will decline as flows from the Otonabee decrease. Lower Trent levels will decrease as well. 

Severn River 

The Black River flow has peaked. Water levels and flows are high on the Severn River and will remain high as water is released from Lake Simcoe. Dam operations are complete at Lake St. John to prevent backflow.