From CEWF —
This update was posted by TSW on March 12th. We apologies for the slight delay in forwarding this out.
As stated in our previous post and in this update there is active dam work through out the system and lake levels are starting to come up, many with ice still in. Please remember to be cautious around the shore lines as the ice may look safer than it is. Wind blown ice will move with out warning, causing damage in some cases and water to open up in others, resulting in strandings. Check your Lake level gauge through our ‘Live Water Levels’ Link, or click [here] .
—-The Following is the release from Parks Canada and Trent Severn Waterway—-
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.
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
The total amounts of precipitation recorded across the watersheds over the past week, including the last 48 hours, ranged from 30 to 85 mm. The five-day forecast suggests an additional 30–40 mm of mixed precipitation due to variable temperature trend.
Outlook
Significant rainfall preceded by warm temperatures has, for the most part, primed the snow to be ready to run off and has resulted in ongoing snowmelt and runoff across most of the watersheds. Water levels and outflows have increased and are expected to increase at all locations due to the precipitation and ongoing snowmelt and runoff from rain. The Trent Severn Water Management team will be active, and 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.
Ice on Shorelines
Temperature variations above the freezing mark make ice weak along the shoreline, which is then easily broken and moved by windy conditions. 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 but may reach gusts of up to 50 km/hr and higher.
Haliburton and Northern Areas
Snowpack remains in the Haliburtons, and water levels on the Gull River, Burnt River watershed, and Central Lakes are increasing. Lake levels are monitored daily and assessed in relation to estimated runoff amounts. Flows on the Gull River are above average and expected to increase. Burnt River flows are above average and are expected to level off but will remain high. Forecasted precipitation will likely cause flows to increase again.
Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River
Most of the Kawartha Lakes are above average and expected to increase. Levels will continue to rise with sustained inflows from the northern areas. Flows on the Otonabee River are above 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 above average. Water levels and flows in this area will be sustained due to flows from the Otonabee and Crowe Rivers.
Severn River and Lake Simcoe
Lake Simcoe water levels are above average, above the rule curve, and expected to increase. The Black River is above average and increasing due to ongoing melt. Sparrow Lake levels will continue rising. Lake St. John Dam remains closed. Severn River flows are above average and will continue increasing.