Recent warmer temperatures means this winter’s substantial snowfall is beginning to shrink away. While this means lakes will begin to fill, the below-average conditions at freeze-up means more water – both snow melt and rain, will be needed to compensate and create “normal” conditions. CEWF continues to monitor conditions and liaise with TSW to bring you the latest information. Stay tuned right 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 weather forecast for this weekend is predicting a precipitation event of 30 mm, combined with plus temperatures approaching 10 degrees and near zero at night during the weekend and extending into next week. The amounts of forecasted rainfall are subject to change due to the nature of the upcoming event and the evolving forecast.
Outlook
Warm temperatures starting mid-week will, for the most part, start priming the snow to be ready to run off and may also result in localized melt. Water levels and outflows are expected to increase at all locations due to the precipitation and snowmelt. The Trent-Severn Water Management team will be active, and conditions will be closely monitored. Any watershed condition updates will be released by your Conservation Authority or local Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry district.
Haliburton and Northern Areas
Most of the reservoir lakes remain at their respective winter set dam configuration. Operational activities on some reservoir lakes will be conducted this week in anticipation of melt. Water levels on the lakes in general are below average. Flows on the Gull and Burnt Rivers remain below average for this time of year and will likely increase with the rainfall and warm temperatures. Current snowpack is measured to vary from above average in some areas to average for this time of the year and is expected to recede with warm temperatures, rain, and localized melt. Flows are expected to increase, and the rate of increase will depend on the amount of rainfall received, the rate of snowmelt and changes in temperature.
Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River
Water levels on the Kawartha Lakes are below average and are subject to seasonal drawdown. Water flows on the Otonabee River are below average for this time of year. Flows will increase as a result of the mild temperatures, precipitation, and snowmelt.
Rice Lake and the Lower Trent
Rice Lake water level is below the long-term average. Water flows on the Lower Trent River are below average but are expected to increase as a result of the upcoming snowmelt.
Lake Simcoe and Severn River
Lake Simcoe water levels are below average and are expected to increase. Flows on the Black River are about average and are expected to increase. Flows on the Severn River are above average and will continue to increase with additional discharge from Lake Simcoe and increased runoff generated by mild temperatures and snowmelt.