There are indications that the water levels and flows have not peaked yet in some areas.
— The following is a release from Trent Severn Waterway and Parks Canada —
Trent-Severn Waterway – Water Level Management Update – May 22, 2025
Parks Canada’s water management team continues to actively monitor water levels, flows, and weather forecasts across the Trent-Severn Waterway National Historic Site. These factors are used to determine dam operations on a daily basis for the Trent-Severn Waterway National Historic Site.
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 Conservation, Otonabee Region Conservation Authority, Ganaraska Conservation Authority, Lower Trent Conservation Authority, Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority or, in all other areas of the Trent and Severn Watersheds, the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry.
Weather
Heavy thunderstorms and downpours over the Trent-Severn Waterway’s watersheds have brought 30 – 40 mm of rain or more in some areas over the past 7 days. The current 5-day forecast suggests an additional 30 mm more, which will increase 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.
Haliburton and Northern Areas
Due to the recent rain, the Gull, Burnt, and Central Lakes are full to slightly overfull. Flows on the Gull have not peaked and will increase due to adjustments and current levels upstream. The Burnt River has peaked but is expected to level off and increase with incoming rain.
Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River
The Kawartha Lakes levels are above average and expected to increase further due to the recent rain. The Otonabee River flow is higher than normal and will remain high due to the rain.
Rice Lake and the Lower Trent
Rice Lake’s water level is above average. Lower Trent flows are elevated due to rain.
Lake Simcoe and Severn River
The Black River has peaked but expected to increase with incoming rain, however water levels and flows are high on the Severn River and will remain high until water levels decrease on Lake Simcoe and Sparrow Lake. Lake Simcoe water levels are above full and above rule curve. Flows across the navigation channel will remain high to reduce levels on the system.