TSW Water Management Update – Apr9/21

From the TSW:

Weather

The 7 day forecast is indicating temperatures above 10 degrees Celsius and a moderate precipitation amount of approximately 20 mm.

Outlook

The total precipitation for this past winter was 25 % less than normal values followed by 25-50% less than normal amounts of precipitation in March. The watersheds of the Haliburton reservoirs experienced an earlier than normal freshet, which in combination with sustained warmer air temperatures has resulted in the loss of winter snowpack during late March and melt runoff recession in early April. Presuming a normal amount of precipitation throughout the month of April, the public can expect the current lake levels to gradually rise during the month of May, achieving seasonal averages heading into summer. Currently, flows are well below to average and receding across the Trent-Severn Watershed.

The Trent-Severn Water Management team will be actively monitoring the changing conditions. Any watershed condition updates will be released by your Conservation Authority

Haliburton and Northern Areas

In general, water levels in the Haliburton Reservoirs vary across the system. In the Gull, the reservoir levels are near or below average.  The Gull River flows are below average. The water levels in Burnt River reservoirs are near or above average . The Burnt River flows are below average and receding. Central Lakes levels are near and above average. Levels are expected to gradually increase, and flows are expected to continue to recede with warmer temperatures.