Weather
The 5-day forecast suggests no significant precipitation. Air temperatures are expected to remain below 0°C across the entire Trent and Severn Watersheds.
Outlook
The current forecast indicates that water levels and outflows will recede and remain on average at most locations. The fluctuations in levels vary and highly depend on the amount of snow and any significant changes in temperature forecasts.
The Trent-Severn Water Management team will be actively monitoring the changing conditions. Any watershed condition updates will be released by your Conservation Authority or local Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources district.
Ice on Shorelines
The temperature variations around the freezing mark makes ice weak along the shoreline, which is then easily broken and moved by windy conditions. The areas subject to the greatest impact are those facing the primary wind direction. In the event of strong wind conditions, the public should be aware of possible onshore ice movement leading to shoreline damage. The current forecast winds are moderate over the next 36 hours, with wind gusts as high as 55 km/hr.
Haliburton and Northern Areas
Most reservoirs have water levels below average for this time of year. The snow pack is present and is near the average for this time of year. Lake levels are monitored daily and assessed in relation to estimated runoff amounts. The flows on Gull and Burnt Rivers are near average and receding.
Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River
The Kawartha Lakes are below average. Outflows from the Kawartha Lakes are approaching close to average values as a result the drawdown practices in preparation for the freshet.
Rice Lake and the Lower Trent
Rice Lake water level is below average. Flows on the Lower Trent River are below average. Flows and water levels are expected to remain stable.
Severn River
Lake Simcoe water levels are approaching the average value for this time of the year average, above rule curve and declining. Black River flows are on average and receding. Flows on the Severn River are near average and are expected to recede.