TSW Water Management Update – Apr26/23

Trent-Severn Waterway – Water Level Management Update – April 26, 2023

Weather

The five-day forecast suggests 30-50 mm of rainfall starting Friday.

Outlook

Flows from the north are currently cresting or decreasing.  Flow rates will remain high, and the impact of the forecasted rain will see the flows increase. Water levels, in general, are expected to continue to increase on all lakes across the Trent-Severn Waterway.

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.

Haliburton and Northern Areas

With the complete depletion of the snowpack, water levels on Gull River, Burnt River Watershed, and Central Lakes have peaked and now declining. Lake levels are monitored daily and assessed in relation to estimated runoff amounts. The flows on Gull River are above average and steady.  Burnt flows are below average and are decreasing. Forecasted rainfall will either level or cause the flows to increase again.

Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River

Most of the Kawartha Lakes are near full.  Levels will continue to rise with the sustained inflows from the northern areas.  Flows on the Otonabee River are below average for this time of year. Increases in flow are anticipated based on the still-high inflows from northern areas and the forecasted rainfall.

Rice Lake and the Lower Trent

Rice Lake levels are declining. Water levels and flows in this area will be sustained due to the flows from the Otonabee and Crowe Rivers.

Severn River

Lake Simcoe water levels are above average, above the rule curve and appear to be levelling off. The Black River has crested and is now beginning to decline more rapidly.  Sparrow Lake and Six Mile Lakes have now peaked and are beginning to recede.  Outflows from Lake Simcoe have been increased in order to maximize the storage available for the upcoming rain. Severn River flows are above average. Forecasted rainfall will either level or cause the flows to increase again.