Trent-Severn Waterway – Water Level Management Update – April 19, 2024

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Weather

April’s rainfall has exceeded the monthly normal, with significantly heavier amounts in the Severn, Black and Simcoe watersheds. As a result, water levels and flows have increased across the Trent-Severn Waterway.

Outlook

An additional 10-15 mm of precipitation is expected during the next five days.

Haliburton and Northern Areas

The Gull and Burnt reservoir lakes are now 85% full, and the Central Lakes are 92% full. The Gull and Burnt Rivers remain below average and are receding. Lake levels are expected to continue gradually rising towards the recreational season.

Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River

Most Kawartha Lakes levels are near full and above average. The inflows have peaked, and lake levels are expected to stabilize and recede towards seasonal levels. The rate of change is dependent on forecasted precipitation. The Otonabee River flow will remain high.

Rice Lake and the Lower Trent

Rice Lake is full, has crested, and is expected to stabilize as the inflows recede. Lower Trent levels will remain high but stable. 

Severn River

The Black River flow remains high with ongoing precipitation. Dam operations are complete at Lake St. John to prevent backflow. The water levels on Lake Simcoe are above the long-term average and are expected to increase with the rainfall. Water outflows from Lake Simcoe are maximized. Water levels and flows are high on the Severn River and have peaked but will continue to remain high due to inflows from the Black River and Lake Simcoe. Lake Simcoe outflows are managed on a daily basis to balance the high conditions across Lake Simcoe and Severn River reaches.