TSW Water Management Update – June 16/22

FROM THE TSW:

Trent-Severn Waterway – Water Level Management Update – Thursday, June 16, 2022

Weather and Outlook

Over the past 15 days, the Trent-Severn’s watersheds have received significant amounts of precipitation, the equivalent of 100 – 200% above the normal amount expected for this time. Residents and visitors should exercise extreme caution around and on the water.

Isolated thunderstorm activity is expected today and early next week with 5 days totals of potentially 10-30 mm across the Trent-Severn Waterway. Soil conditions across the watershed are saturated and lakes are over- full. 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.

Haliburton and Northern Areas

Levels on the Gull River, Burnt River and Central Lakes are above average and expected to increase with the forecasted rainfall. Flows on the Gull River have stabilized but will remain high.  Flows on the Burnt River are receding but rate of recession is subject to the amount of forecasted rain.

Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River

The Kawartha Lakes levels are above average, increasing and expected to stabilize over the weekend. Flows on Otonabee River are high and will be further increased during navigation shutdown to provide some relief for Kawartha Lakes system. The flows and levels are subject to forecasted rain. Caution should be exercised on or near the river and especially near dams.

Rice Lake and the Lower Trent

Water levels on Rice Lake and the Lower Trent are high and are expected to increase with the forecasted rain. The Lower Trent is navigable however flow is high and will remain high. Caution should be exercised on or near the river and especially near dams.

Severn River

Lake Simcoe is high and with the rain forecast it is expected to increase. Black River flow is receding but subject to the forecasted rain. Flows will remain high on the Severn River. Please exercise caution when travelling on the River and around dams.

Navigation Outside of Operation Hours

Please exercise caution when travelling on the River and around dams. Flows at Swift Rapids and the Lower Trent will increase during the night to continue to reduce levels and flows. Residents are advised to exercise caution if travelling outside Parks Canada hours of operation.