Trent-Severn Waterway: Water Level Management update

Trent-Severn Waterway: Water Level Management update

Kawartha Lakes - Parks Canada's water management team continues to actively monitor water levels and 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 has launched the Ontario Waterways Water Management InfoNet on the Trent-Severn Waterway website.

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.

Of specific note is the new water levels tool within the InfoNet which provides lake levels data from the last 30 days and graphic representation of levels for the current year. 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. Stakeholders should continue to refer to their respective Conservation Authority or the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry as the primary source for relevant flood forecasting information specific to their 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  a strong, low system which may result in total of 50 mm of rain and heavier amounts in localized areas impacted by thunderstorms.   

Outlook

The impacts from the above average amounts of precipitation received remain across the system.  While still high, flows and water levels have started to recede across all locations. However, the heavy amount of rain expected in the short-term forecast is of concern.   The Trent-Severn Water Management team are actively monitoring the changing conditions. Any watershed condition updates will be released by your Conservation Authority or local Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources district.

Haliburton and Northern Areas

Water levels and flows remain high in northern areas. Most lake levels on the Gull River, Burnt River system, and Central Lakes are above full or near full and are leveling off. Lake levels are monitored on a 24 hour basis and operational activities are currently conducted and based on the current watershed conditions, lake levels, estimated runoff amounts and forecasted rainfall. The flows on Burnt River are near average and receding but expected to level off and be sustained by the enhanced runoff from precipitation.  The flows on the Gull River are above average for this time of year. 

Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River

Water levels in the Kawartha Lakes are above full level conditions across the system due to sustained and high inflows from the Haliburtons areas and the received amounts of rainfall. Flows on the Otonabee River are high and above average for this time of year. 

Rice Lake and the Lower Trent

Water levels on Rice Lake, Upper and the Lower Trent River are above full, but have levelled off and are decreasing. Crower River has peaked and is receding.

Severn River

Lake Simcoe water levels are above average, above full, and stable but expected to increase from the forecasted rain amounts. Black River flows have peaked and are receding, but remain high for this time of the year. Operations for Lake St. John are currently conducted as the Black River flows show stable recession trends. Lake Simcoe outflows are maximized as Black River flows continue to decline. Flows on the Severn River are stable and are likely to remain high.

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