Water levels across the reservoirs have continued to rise with ice still in place on most lakes. TSW is actively managing logs in and out to balance melt and rain runoff against the risk of flooding and the risk of not filling the system if springs rains are less than expected. Residents should access current water levels through the link above or click [here] and watch the rate of change to plan their shoreline management.
—-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 five-day weather forecast is predicting 10–15 mm of precipitation. Air temperatures will rise again in the Haliburtons and remain positive overnight. There is a potential for more rain early next week; however, forecast amounts remain uncertain at this time.
Outlook
Ongoing snowmelt, significant received and forecasted rainfall, and warm temperatures have caused flows and water levels to increase and are expected to continue increasing at all locations as it works its way through the system.
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.
Ice on Shorelines
Temperature variations around and 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. With warmer temperatures persisting into next week, ice-out should continue.
Haliburton and Northern Areas
With the onset of snowmelt and significant rain amounts, water levels and flows are rising rapidly in northern areas. Snow amounts still remain in the northernmost areas of the Gull River and Burnt River systems. Most lake levels on the Gull River and Burnt River systems remain above average and are rising due to melt, accelerated by warm temperatures and significant amounts of received rainfall. Most Central Lakes are above average and are rising. Lake levels are monitored on a 24-hour basis, and operational activities are conducted based on current watershed conditions, lake levels, estimated runoff amounts, snowpack conditions, and forecasted rainfall. Flows on the Gull River will increase as a result of upstream operational adjustments in response to received precipitation. Flows on the Burnt River have peaked but are expected to increase again with forecasted precipitation and ongoing melt.
Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River
Water levels in the Kawartha Lakes are above average and are rising due to sustained high inflows from the Haliburton areas and received amounts of rainfall. Flows on the Otonabee River are above average for this time of year and will continue to increase.
Rice Lake and the Lower Trent
Water levels on Rice Lake are below average. Upper and Lower Trent River levels are above full and are anticipated to remain high due to increased inflows from the Otonabee River, Crowe River, and forecasted rainfall.
Lake Simcoe and Severn River
Lake Simcoe water levels are above average, above full, and increasing, and will continue to rise. Black River flows have stabilized and are receding; however, they will increase as a result of anticipated melt runoff. Lake St. John Dam remains closed. Lake Simcoe outflows have been optimally reduced to balance high water level conditions in Severn River areas and flow increases from the Black River. Water levels and flows will continue to remain high throughout the Severn River system.