Trent-Severn Waterway Water Level Management Update 12-30-2024

Trent-Severn Waterway – Water Level Management Update – December 30, 2024

Parks Canada’s water management team continues to actively monitor water levels, flows, and weather forecasts across the Trent-Severn Waterway. These factors are used to determine dam operations on a daily basis for the Trent-Severn Waterway.

Parks Canada maintains the Ontario Waterways Water Management InfoNet on the Trent-Severn Waterway website at: https://parks.canada.ca/lhn-nhs/on/trentsevern/info/infonet/point-gestion-eau-water-management-updates

The InfoNet contains background information on water management practices, water management updates, frequently asked questions about water management, various reports on water management, and the most recent water levels of lakes along both the Rideau Canal and the Trent-Severn Waterway. The information comes from hydrometric gauges located at key points along both waterways and is vetted by trained and experienced Parks Canada water management staff.

This information is intended as supplemental information only. Please refer to your respective Conservation Authority or the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry as the primary source for relevant flood forecasting information specific to your area. These are: Kawartha ConservationOtonabee Region Conservation AuthorityGanaraska Conservation AuthorityLower Trent Conservation AuthorityLake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority or, in all other areas of the Trent and Severn Watersheds, the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry. Information can also be found on the Ontario Flood Forecasting and Warning Program.

Weather

Over the past 24 hours, the Trent-Severn Waterway has received total rain amounts ranging from 13-32 mm. The 5-day forecast for this week suggests a precipitation event of 16 to 31 mm combined with temperatures near zero lasting for the next 3 days. The warm spell is expected to be followed by more seasonal temperatures by January 3, 2025.

Outlook

The snow on the ground is variable and near seasonal accumulation across the Trent and Severn River Watersheds. The warmer weather, in combination with the rainfall, will likely remove most of the snow in Kawartha lakes and Lower Trent watersheds. Flows in the Trent/Severn are anticipated to rise significantly, and water levels are expected to increase in all lakes and river reaches.

The Trent-Severn Water Management Team will be active, and the changing conditions will be closely monitored. Any watershed condition updates will be released by your Conservation Authority or local Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources district.

Haliburton and Northern Areas

Most lakes are near and above long-term average water levels. Gull and Burnt River are near the average and expected to increase as a result of received rain and warm weather. Most Central lakes are near long-term average water levels.

Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River

Most Kawartha Lakes are near or below average and are expected to increase. Otonabee River Flows are above average as a result of increased outflows from recent rain events. All river reaches are within their seasonal ranges.

Rice Lake and the Lower Trent

Rice Lake is on average and increasing, and the Lower Trent River reaches remain in the seasonal ranges. Trent River flows are above average.

Severn River

Lake Simcoe’s water levels are above average and expected to increase. Black River flows are above average and expected to increase. River and lake sections on the Severn River are expected to increase.