TSW Water Management Update – June10/22

FROM THE TSW:

Weather

Over the past 7 days, the watersheds have received 50 – 100 mm of rain which significantly exceeds the normal precipitation for the month of May and early June. The last 25 days have seen precipitation values in excess of 50-75 % above normal, which has increased water levels and flows across the entire system. Please check the website of your local conservation authority or the Ontario Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry for the most up-to-date watershed conditions. The weather forecast suggests that there is a risk of further thunderstorms towards the end of the week across the Trent-Severn.

Haliburton and Northern Areas

The Gull, Burnt, and Central Lakes are full to slightly overfull due to the recent rain. Flows on the Gull have not peaked and will increase as a result of adjustments and current levels upstream. The Burnt River is expected to peak within the next 48 hours.

Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River

The Kawartha Lakes levels are above average and expected to further increase as a result of recent rain. The Otonabee River flow is higher than normal and will remain high due to the recent rain.

Rice Lake and the Lower Trent

Rice Lake is above average. Lower Trent flows are elevated due to rain.

Severn River

The Black River has not peaked, but water levels and flows are high on the Severn River and will remain high until water levels decrease on Lake Simcoe and Sparrow Lake.

Flows across the navigation channel will increase during the night to reduce levels on the system.  The public should consider these overnight flows as non-navigable. Therefore residents are advised to exercise extreme caution if travelling outside Parks Canada’s hours of operation.