Questions?

Residents with questions or concerns pertaining to water levels and flows on the Trent-Severn Waterway should first refer to their respective Municipality, Conservation Authority or the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry. They are the primary source for relevant flood or drought forecasting information.

Further questions or concerns pertaining to water management on the Trent-Severn Waterway can be sent in writing by sending an email to trentsevern@pc.gc.ca. Please include specific details of the area in question and your contact information.

Please note the Parks Canada telephone line dedicated to water management is active and monitored only during the spring freshet (thaw) and in times of flooding.

Parks Canada maintains 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 level of lakes along both the Trent-Severn Waterway.


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.

For more information regarding watershed status, please visit your local conservation authority website:

For all other areas of the Trent and Severn Watersheds, please visit:

The Trent-Severn Waterway also maintains an email list for those wishing to have Water Management Updates sent directly to them via email.

If you would like to be added to our Water Management Update list to receive information as it becomes available, please email: trentsevern@pc.gc.ca


Updates

2024
  • April 19, 2024

    Weather

    Rainfall over the month of April has resulted in total precipitation that already exceeds the total monthly normal, ranging from 75-130 mm, with significantly heavier amounts in the Severn, Black and Simcoe watersheds. As a result of the recent rain events the water levels and flows have increased across the Trent-Severn Waterway.

    Outlook

    An additional 10-15 mm of precipitation is expected during the next five days. For the most up-to-date watershed conditions, please check the website of your local conservation authority or the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry.

    Haliburton and Northern Areas

    As a result of recent rain events, the Gull and Burnt River Reservoirs are 85% full, and the Central Lakes are 92% full. The Gull and Burnt Rivers remain below average and are receding. Lake levels are expected to continue gradually rising towards the recreational season.

    Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River

    Most Kawartha Lakes levels are near full and above average. The inflows have peaked, and lake levels are expected to stabilize and recede towards seasonal levels. The rate of change is dependent on forecasted precipitation. The Otonabee River flow will remain high.‎

    Rice Lake and the Lower Trent

    Rice Lake is full, has crested, and is expected to stabilize as the inflows recede. Lower Trent levels will remain high but stable.

    Severn River

    The Black River flow remains high with ongoing precipitation. Dam operations are complete at Lake St. John to prevent backflow. The water levels on Lake Simcoe are above the long-term average and are expected to increase with the rainfall. Water outflows from Lake Simcoe are maximized. Water levels and flows are high on the Severn River and have peaked but will continue to remain high due to inflows from the Black River and Lake Simcoe. Lake Simcoe outflows are managed on a daily basis to balance the high conditions across Lake Simcoe and Severn River reaches.

  • April 15, 2024

    TRENT-SEVERN WATERWAY PUBLIC SAFETY NOTICE

    INCREASED WATER FLOW AT LOCK 42 - COUCHICHING

    PETERBOROUGH, ONTARIO – April 15, 2024 – Parks Canada advises that due to higher-than-normal water levels on Lakes Simcoe and Couchiching, the discharge valves at Lock 42 – Couchiching, near Washago, will be opened on Tuesday, April 16, 2024. This operation will immediately increase the water levels and flows between Lock 42 - Couchiching and the channel below the Severn River.

    The public is advised to stay well clear of this area in the channel above and below the lock due to the unsafe high flows and exposed open water.

    Residents and visitors should exercise extreme caution.

  • April 12, 2024

    Weather

    Rainfall over the last week of March combined with a significant rainfall event early last week have resulted in total precipitation amounts ranging from 60-80 mm over that time period which have increased water levels and flows across the Trent-Severn Waterway.

    Outlook

    An additional 20-35 mm of precipitation is expected during the next 5 days. Please check the website of your local conservation authority or the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry for the most up-to-date watershed conditions.

    Haliburton and Northern Areas

    As a result of recent rain events, the Gull River Reservoirs are 75% full, and the Burnt River Reservoirs are 85% full. The Gull and Burnt rivers remain below average but are expected to increase with incoming rain. Lake levels are expected to continue rising. Central Lakes are 87% full.

    Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River

    Most Kawartha Lakes levels are full. Lake levels are expected to continue rising and rate of increase dependent on forecasted precipitation. The Otonabee River flow will continue to increase.‎

    Rice Lake and the Lower Trent

    Rice Lake is overfull and will continue to rise due to increased flow on the Otonabee. Lower Trent will increase as well.

    Severn River

    The Black River flow will continue to increase. Dam operations are complete at Lake St. John to prevent backflow. The water levels on Lake Simcoe are above the long-term average and are expected to increase with the rainfall. Water outflows from Lake Simcoe are maximized. Water levels and flows are high on the Severn River and will continue to increase as water is released from Lake Simcoe.

  • April 9, 2024

    Weather

    Last week, the passage of a Colorado Low resulted in a significant amount of precipitation amounting to 25-50 mm across all watersheds. The 5-day forecast suggests an estimated 35-48 mm of rainfall this week. Air temperatures are forecasted to rise this week where the daily high will be in the double digits.

    Outlook

    The current conditions indicate that water levels will increase due to already saturated conditions across the watersheds.

    The Trent-Severn Water Management team will be actively monitoring the changing conditions. Any watershed condition updates will be released by your Conservation Authority or local Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources district.

    Ice on Shorelines

    The temperature variations around the freezing mark makes ice weak along the shoreline which is then easily broken and moved by windy conditions. The 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.

    Haliburton and Northern Areas

    With no snow remaining in Gull River, Burnt River and Central Reservoirs’ watershed, most lakes are well above average due to an earlier than normal snowmelt and increasing at a slower rate. Lake levels are monitored daily and assessed in relation to estimated runoff amounts. The flows on the Gull River and Burnt are below average. Forecasted rainfall will either level or cause the flows to increase again.

    Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River

    The Kawartha Lakes are, in general, near or above average and are increasing. Flows on the Otonabee River are lower than average for this time of year and are expected to increase. ‎

    Rice Lake and the Lower Trent

    Rice Lake's water level is close to average. Flows on the Lower Trent River are below average.

    Severn River

    Lake Simcoe's water levels are above average and above the rule curve. The outflows at the control structures are being maximized. Flows on the Black River are below average, and Severn River are below average and are expected to increase.

  • March 8, 2024

    Weather

    The 5 day forecast suggests significant amounts of precipitation reaching 40 mm of rain and with mixed precipitation and above 0°C at night in northern areas.

    Outlook

    The ongoing snowmelt has increased flows and water levels at most locations. The current forecast indicates that water levels and outflows will continue to increase at a higher rate considering the saturated conditions of the watersheds.

    The Trent-Severn Water Management team will be actively monitoring the changing conditions. Any watershed condition updates will be released by your Conservation Authority or local Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources district.

    Ice on Shorelines

    The temperature variations around the freezing mark makes ice weak along the shoreline which is then easily broken and moved by windy conditions. The 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.

    Haliburton and Northern Areas

    The Haliburton and Northern Peterborough County reservoirs are above average due to earlier than typical snowmelt. The low amounts of snowpack remain in the most northern watersheds of the system. Lake levels are monitored daily and assessed in relation to estimated runoff amounts, however they are susceptible to changes in response to the future precipitation amounts. The flows on Gull and Burnt Rivers are expected to rise as a result of the rain event and saturated soil conditions.

    Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River

    The Kawartha Lakes are all above average except for Lovesick Lake which is expected to rise. Flows on the Otonabee River are below average for this time of year and are increasing.‎

    Rice Lake and the Lower Trent

    Rice Lake water level is near average and increasing. Flows on the Lower Trent River are below average and increasing.

    Severn River

    Lake Simcoe water levels are above average and above rule curve. Flows on the Severn River are above to the average and are increasing. Operations for Lake St. John in preparation for increased flows on the Black River are complete.

  • March 4, 2024

    Weather

    Since mid-February, low precipitation amounts and higher than normal air temperatures have resulted in lower than average snow pack accumulation for this time of the year. The 5-day forecast suggests near 10-15 mm of rainfall. Air temperatures are forecasted to rise this week where the daily high will be in the double digits; as the week progress evening lows will tend to stay above 0°C.

    Outlook

    The current conditions indicate that water levels will increase due to the onset of earlier than normal snowmelt season.

    The Trent-Severn Water Management team will be actively monitoring the changing conditions. Any watershed condition updates will be released by your Conservation Authority or local Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources district.

    Ice on Shorelines

    The temperature variations around the freezing mark makes ice weak along the shoreline which is then easily broken and moved by windy conditions. The 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 not overly high. With the warmer temperatures persisting into next week, ice-out should continue.

    Haliburton and Northern Areas

    The water management operations for filling the reservoirs began in February. Outflows from the reservoirs have been reduced based on the projected runoff from melting snow in the watershed and normal precipitation in the month of March. With the recent substantial reduction in the snowpack in the northern areas and the depletion of the snowpack in areas of Gull River, Burnt River and Central Reservoirs’ watershed, most lakes are increasing at a slower rate. Lake levels are monitored daily and assessed in relation to estimated runoff amounts. The flows on the Gull River are below average. Burnt flows remain slightly above average due to the onset of the snowmelt. Forecasted rainfall will either level or cause the flows to increase again.

    Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River

    The Kawartha Lakes are in general near or above average and are increasing. Flows on the Otonabee River are lower than average for this time of year.‎

    Rice Lake and the Lower Trent

    Rice Lake's water level is close to average. Flows on the Lower Trent River are below average.

    Severn River

    Lake Simcoe's water levels are above average and above the rule curve. Flows on the Black River are increasing due to the early snowmelt and above average. Flows on the Severn River are close to average and are increasing.

  • January 9, 2024

    Weather

    The Weather Network is currently forecasting 45 to 60 mm of mixed snow and rain across the entire Trent and Severn River watersheds in the coming days. The bulk of this precipitation is anticipated to come Tuesday and Wednesday.

    Outlook

    The snow on the ground is variable and below seasonal accumulation across the Trent and Severn River Watersheds. The warmer weather, in combination with the forecasted rainfall, will likely remove most of the snow in Kawartha lakes and Lower Trent watersheds. Flows in the Trent/Severn are anticipated to rise significantly, and water levels are expected to increase in all lakes and river reaches.

    The Trent-Severn Water Management team will be 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

    Most lakes are near their long-term average water levels. Gull and Burnt River are near the average. Most Central lakes are near long-term average water levels.

    Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River

    Most Kawartha Lakes are near or below average and declining. Otonabee River Flows are above average as a result of increased outflows from recent rain events. All river reaches are within their seasonal ranges.

    Rice Lake and the Lower Trent

    Rice Lake is below average and declining, and the Lower Trent River reaches remain in the seasonal ranges. Trent River flows are above average.

    Severn River

    Lake Simcoe's water levels are above average. Lake Simcoe outflows have been maximized. Black River and Severn River flows are near average. River and lake sections on the Severn River are below average.

Previous years

2023
  • December 18, 2023

    Weather

    The relatively dry fall conditions with total three-month precipitation values varying 25-70% below normal resulted in below-average flows and levels across most watersheds. The precipitation amounts received during the first two weeks of December were localized in nature and close to seasonal averages.

    The Weather Network is currently forecasting 10-15 mm of mixed precipitation across the entire Trent and Severn River watersheds. The bulk of this precipitation is anticipated to come in the next 36 hours.

    Outlook

    The small accumulations of snow on the ground were depleted across the Trent and Severn River Watersheds as a result of the weekend weather, with temperatures above zero degrees and 10-15 mm of rain. Flows in the Trent/Severn are anticipated to rise, and water levels are expected to increase in all lakes and river reaches.

    The Trent-Severn Water Management team will be 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

    Most lakes are near or below long-term average water levels. Gull and Burnt River are near or below average. Most Central lakes are below long-term average water levels.

    Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River

    The Kawartha Lakes are about 10 cm below average and declining. Otonabee River Flows are below average as a result of the Kawartha Lakes drawdown in preparation for spring freshet. All river reaches are within their seasonal ranges.

    Rice Lake and the Lower Trent

    Rice Lake is on average, and the Lower Trent River reaches remain in the seasonal ranges. Trent River flows are below average.

    Severn River

    Lake Simcoe's water levels are below average. Black River and Severn River flows are near average. River and lake sections on the Severn River are below average.

  • August 16, 2023

    Weather

    Significant rainfall occurred over the past week and resulted in total precipitation of about 60-100 mm, which increased water levels and flows across some locations more than others. Some additional rainfall is expected over the next five days, with a potential accumulation of 20-30 mm, with higher amounts possible in areas of localized thunderstorm activity.

    Outlook

    Due to the localized nature of the rain events, some areas have received up to 50% of the normal monthly precipitation in July and up to 150% above normal over the first two weeks of August. The impacts from the above-average amounts of precipitation received remain across the system. Flows and levels are above normal for this time of the year.

    The Trent-Severn Water Management team will be 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 throughout this area. All lake levels on the Gull River, Burnt River system, and Central Lakes are significantly above average. Lake levels are monitored on a 24-hour basis, and water management operations are being conducted based on the current watershed conditions, lake levels, estimated runoff amounts and forecasted rainfall. The flows on the Burnt River are on average and are expected to be sustained by the enhanced runoff from precipitation and operations in reservoirs. The flows on the Gull River are significantly above average for this time of year due to the localized nature of the recent precipitation event. They are expected to remain high for some time.

    Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River

    Water levels in the Kawartha Lakes are above full and above average; however, they have peaked and are expected to recede towards average. However, the rate of the return to normal is subject to the forecasted rainfall amounts. Flows on the Otonabee River are above average for this time of year and are expected to be sustained by the enhanced runoff generated from past and forecasted precipitation and elevated inflows from the Haliburton areas.

    Rice Lake and the Lower Trent

    Water levels on Rice Lake, Upper and the Lower Trent River are above average for this time of year. Flows on the Trent River are above average and above normal for this time of year.

    Severn River

    Lake Simcoe's water levels are above average and expected to remain above average from both previous and forecasted rain amounts. Black River flows are above average. Lake Simcoe outflows have been maximized. Flows on the Severn River are above the seasonal average and likely remain high.

  • June 28, 2023

    TRENT-SEVERN WATERWAY PUBLIC SAFETY NOTICE

    Parks Canada advises the public to expect higher-than-normal water levels and flows on the Severn River during navigation hours until further notice.

    In addition, flows will increase outside of navigation hours as of Wednesday, June 27, 2023, until further notice. The public should consider these overnight flows as non-navigable.

    The increased flows overnight are the result of water management dam adjustments to address the higher-than-normal water levels caused by the recent precipitation.

    Over the past three days, the watersheds have received over 60 mm of rain, which represents 75% over the normal precipitation values for the month of June.

    Residents and visitors should exercise extreme caution around and on the water.

    For the most current boater-specific information, please follow us on Twitter: @TSWBoaterInfo.

  • June 19, 2023

    Weather

    Rainfall amounts for the month of May contributed to values that are less than 50-75 mm than the long-term mean. Recent rain events have contributed to a system wide increase in flows and levels. The 10-day forecast suggests a transition to high temperatures, with less than 5 mm of rain in the forecast.

    Outlook

    The impacts from the recent precipitation events remain across the system. However, flows and water levels have started to recede across all locations.

    The Trent-Severn Water Management team will be 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

    Most lakes are near or above long-term average water levels. The Gull River, Burnt River, and Central Reservoirs are nearing capacity. Flows on the Gull River and Burnt River have increased above their minimum flows because of the recent rain and currently near their long-term averages for this time of the year. Burnt River flows have peaked and are expected to recede because of the low amount of precipitation in the forecast.

    Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River

    The Kawartha Lakes are above average. The dam controlling the levels on Lake Scugog, has all logs in. Otonabee River flows have been increased above minimum flows and are currently near the long-term average.

    Rice Lake and the Lower Trent

    Rice Lake is above the average water levels and the Lower Trent River remains within standard navigable ranges.

    Severn River

    Lake Simcoe water levels are above average, and outflows are being increased. Black River flows are above average because of the recent rain events. Severn River flows have been increased and are currently near the long-term average. Flow changes may continue depending on the rainfall received. Lake St. John is at summer set.

  • April 26, 2023

    Weather

    The five-day forecast suggests 30-50 mm of rainfall starting Friday.

    Outlook

    Flows from the north are currently cresting or decreasing. Flow rates will remain high, and the impact of the forecasted rain will see the flows increase. Water levels, in general, are expected to continue to increase on all lakes across the Trent-Severn Waterway.

    The Trent-Severn Water Management team will be 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

    With the complete depletion of the snowpack, water levels on Gull River, Burnt River Watershed, and Central Lakes have peaked and now declining. Lake levels are monitored daily and assessed in relation to estimated runoff amounts. The flows on Gull River are above average and steady. Burnt flows are below average and are decreasing. Forecasted rainfall will either level or cause the flows to increase again.

    Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River

    Most of the Kawartha Lakes are near full. Levels will continue to rise with the sustained inflows from the northern areas. Flows on the Otonabee River are below 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 declining. Water levels and flows in this area will be sustained due to the flows from the Otonabee and Crowe Rivers.

    Severn River

    Lake Simcoe water levels are above average, above the rule curve and appear to be levelling off. The Black River has crested and is now beginning to decline more rapidly. Sparrow Lake and Six Mile Lakes have now peaked and are beginning to recede. Outflows from Lake Simcoe have been increased in order to maximize the storage available for the upcoming rain. Severn River flows are above average. Forecasted rainfall will either level or cause the flows to increase again.

  • April 7, 2023

    Weather

    The five-day weather forecast predicts no significant precipitation, but air temperatures are expected to reach double digits and remain above zero overnight.

    Outlook

    With the onset of the snowmelt and the significant amount of rain received mid-week coupled with the warm temperatures in the forecast flows, water levels are expected to continue to increase at all locations as the impacts of the rain and melting snow work their way through the system.

    The Trent-Severn Water Management team will be actively monitoring the changing conditions. Any watershed condition updates will be released by your Conservation Authority or local Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources district.

    Ice on Shorelines

    The temperature variations above the freezing mark makes ice weak along the shoreline, which is then easily broken and moved by windy conditions. The 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. With the warmer temperatures persisting into next week, ice out should continue.

    Haliburton and Northern Areas

    With the onset of the snowmelt and significant rain event, water levels and flows are rising rapidly in the northern areas. Snow amounts are still remaining in the most northern areas of the Gull and Burnt River systems. Most lakes on the Gull River and Burnt River systems remain below average but are rising due to the onset of the melt and recent rainfall event. Lake levels are monitored daily and assessed in relation to estimated runoff amounts. Most Central Lakes are rising due to snowmelt onset and are now above average for this time of the year due to significant precipitation received earlier in the week. Gull and Burnt River flows are above average and are anticipated to increase with increased runoff from the ongoing snowmelt.

    Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River

    Most Kawartha Lakes lake levels are above average due to the recent significant rain event and inflow from Haliburton areas. Lake Scugog levels are above full and above average. Levels on the Kawarthas are expected to rise due to sustained and high inflows from the Haliburton areas. 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 and the Lower Trent are above average and are anticipated to increase due to increased inflows from local creeks, the Otonabee River, and the Crowe River.

    Severn River

    Lake Simcoe water levels are above average and are slowly increasing. Black River flows are above average and continue to increase. Water levels and flows are expected to increase everywhere on the Severn River. The levels on Lake Simcoe will continue to be monitored, and the balancing of the high water in the Severn River areas downstream of Washago will continue.

  • April 4, 2023

    Weather

    The five-day forecast suggests 35-48 mm with air temperatures reaching double digits in the Haliburton areas and above 0°C at night.

    Outlook

    With the onset of the snowmelt and forecasted amount of rain, coupled with warm temperatures, flows and water levels are expected to increase at all locations as the impacts of the rain and melting snow work their way through the system.

    The Trent-Severn Water Management team will be actively monitoring the changing conditions. Any watershed condition updates will be released by your Conservation Authority or local Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources district.

    Ice on Shorelines

    The temperature variations around and above the freezing mark makes ice weak along the shoreline, which is then easily broken and moved by windy conditions. The 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 not overly high. With the warmer temperatures persisting into next week, ice out should continue.

    Haliburton and Northern Areas

    With the recent mixed precipitation event and onset of warm temperatures, water levels and flows and the onset of the melt are slowly rising in northern areas. Snow amounts are still remaining near the average for this time of the year in the most northern areas of the Gull River system and slightly below the average in the southern areas. Most lakes on the Gull River and Burnt River systems remain below average but are rising due to the onset of the melt. Lake levels are monitored daily and assessed in relation to estimated runoff amounts. The flows on Gull River are below average, and on Burnt River are approaching average due to the snowmelt. Flows on both rivers are anticipated to increase.

    Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River

    All Kawartha Lakes are below average except for Scugog Lake. Scugog Lake levels are above average, above full. The outflows at Lindsay Dam are maximized. Levels on the Kawarthas are expected to rise due to higher inflows from the Haliburton areas and the forecasted 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 and the Lower Trent are anticipated to increase due to increased inflows from local creeks, the Otonabee River, the Crowe River and the forecasted rainfall.

    Severn River

    Lake Simcoe’s water levels are above average and are slowly increasing. Black River flows are near average and continue to increase. Operations for Lake St. John in preparation for increased flows on the Black River are complete. Water levels and flows are expected to increase everywhere on the Severn River.

  • March 30, 2023

    Weather

    The five-day weather forecast is predicting a widespread precipitation event with totals as high as 23-48 mm of mixed precipitation (snow and rain). Air temperatures are expected to reach up to 10°C in the Haliburton area and remain above zero overnight.

    Outlook

    With the onset of the snowmelt and the significant forecasted amount of rain, coupled with warm temperatures, flows and water levels are expected to increase at all locations as the rain and melting snow work their way through the system.

    The Trent-Severn Water Management team will be actively monitoring the changing conditions. Any watershed condition updates will be released by your Conservation Authority or local Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources district.

    Ice on Shorelines

    The temperature variations above the freezing mark make ice weak along the shoreline, which is then easily broken and moved by windy conditions. The 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 up to 58 km/ hr gusts. With the warmer temperatures persisting into next week, ice-out should continue.

    Haliburton and Northern Areas

    With the onset of the snowmelt, water levels and flows are expected to rise rapidly in the northern areas. Snow amounts remain above average for this time of the year in the most northern areas of the Gull River system. Most lakes on the Gull River and Burnt River systems remain below average but are rising due to the onset of the melt. Lake levels are monitored daily and assessed in relation to estimated runoff amounts. Most Central Lakes are rising due to the onset of snowmelt but remain below average for this time of the year due to late snowmelt timing. The flows on Gull River and Burnt River are below average but are anticipated to increase with increased runoff from the forecasted precipitation.

    Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River

    All Kawartha Lakes lake levels are below average. Lake Scugog levels are above full and above average due to ongoing snowmelt. Levels on the Kawarthas are expected to rise due to sustained and high inflows from the Haliburton area and the forecasted 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 and the Lower Trent are anticipated to increase due to increased inflows from local creeks, the Otonabee River, the Crowe River and the forecasted rainfall.

    Severn River

    Lake Simcoe water levels are near average and are slowly increasing. Black River flows are below average and are expected to increase. Operations for Lake St. John, in preparation for increased flows on the Black River, are complete. Water levels and flows are expected to increase everywhere on the Severn River.

  • March 8, 2023

    Weather

    The 5-day forecast suggests no significant precipitation. Air temperatures are expected to remain below 0°C across the entire Trent and Severn Watersheds.

    Outlook

    The current forecast indicates that water levels and outflows will recede and remain on average at most locations. The fluctuations in levels vary and highly depend on the amount of snow and any significant changes in temperature forecasts.

    The Trent-Severn Water Management team will be actively monitoring the changing conditions. Any watershed condition updates will be released by your Conservation Authority or local Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources district.

    Ice on Shorelines

    The temperature variations around the freezing mark makes ice weak along the shoreline, which is then easily broken and moved by windy conditions. The 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 over the next 36 hours, with wind gusts as high as 55 km/hr.

    Haliburton and Northern Areas

    Most reservoirs have water levels below average for this time of year. The snow pack is present and is near the average for this time of year. Lake levels are monitored daily and assessed in relation to estimated runoff amounts. The flows on Gull and Burnt Rivers are near average and receding.

    Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River

    The Kawartha Lakes are below average. Outflows from the Kawartha Lakes are approaching close to average values as a result the drawdown practices in preparation for the freshet.

    Rice Lake and the Lower Trent

    Rice Lake water level is below average. Flows on the Lower Trent River are below average. Flows and water levels are expected to remain stable.

    Severn River

    Lake Simcoe water levels are approaching the average value for this time of the year average, above rule curve and declining. Black River flows are on average and receding. Flows on the Severn River are near average and are expected to recede.

  • January 13, 2023

    Weather

    The 5-day forecast suggests 15-30 mm of mixed precipitation, with most of the precipitation falling mainly on Thursday night into Friday morning. Air temperatures are expected to drop significantly on Friday afternoon below 0°C across the entire Trent and Severn Watersheds.

    Outlook

    Flows remain high after the series of recent events that amounted to over 100 mm of mixed precipitation and solid accumulation across the TSW watersheds. The current forecast indicates that water levels and outflows will continue to remain high at most locations. The fluctuations in levels vary and highly depend on the amount of snow remaining and any significant changes in temperature forecasts.

    The Trent-Severn Water Management team will be actively monitoring the changing conditions. Any watershed condition updates will be released by your Conservation Authority or local Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources district.

    Ice on Shorelines

    The temperature variations around the freezing mark makes ice weak along the shoreline which is then easily broken and moved by windy conditions. The 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 over the next 36 hours with wind gusts as high as 55 km/hr.

    Haliburton and Northern Areas

    Most reservoirs have water levels above average for this time of year due to the recent warm up and rain on snow event. The snow pack is present and is near the average for this time of year. Lake levels are monitored daily and assessed in relation to estimated runoff amounts. The flows on Gull and Burnt Rivers are above average and have peaked but are expected to remain elevated.

    Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River

    The Kawartha Lakes are above average. Levels on the Kawarthas will remain high after the forecasted event. Outflows from the Kawartha Lakes are maximised and as a result flows on the Otonabee River are significantly high for this time of the year and expected to remain elevated.

    Rice Lake and the Lower Trent

    Rice Lake water level is above average and has peaked. Flows on the Lower Trent River are above average. Flows and water levels are expected to remain high longer in this area as higher flows move down from the Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River.

    Severn River

    Lake Simcoe water levels are above average, above rule curve and increasing. Lake Simcoe outflows are maximized. Black River flows are above average but peaked and receding. Flows on the Severn River are above average and are expected to remain elevated as higher flows move down from Lake Simcoe and Black River. Operations for Lake St. John in preparation for increased flows on the Black River are complete.

2022
  • December 30, 2022

    Weather

    The forecast for Friday and Saturday of this week suggests a low precipitation event of 25 to 35 mm combined with plus temperatures approaching 10 degrees. The warm-up period is estimated to be approximately 7 days in length. The warm spell is expected to be followed by more seasonal temperatures by January 5, 2023.

    Outlook

    The snow on the ground is variable across the Trent and Severn River Watersheds and near seasonal values except for a significant snow accumulation in the Severn River Watersheds, which is twice its seasonal value for this time of the year. The warmer weather, in combination with the forecasted rainfall, will likely remove most of the snow in Kawartha lakes and Lower Trent watersheds. Flows in the Trent and Severn Rivers are anticipated to rise significantly, and water levels are expected to increase in all lakes and river reaches.

    The Trent-Severn Water Management team will be actively monitoring the changing conditions. Any watershed condition updates will be released by your Conservation Authority.

    Haliburton and Northern Areas

    Most lakes are near or below long-term average water levels. Gull and Burnt Rivers are near average. Most Central Lakes are near long-term average water levels.

    Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River

    The Kawartha Lakes are about 10 cm below average and declining. Otonabee River flows are near average and are expected to increase as a result of increased outflows in preparation of the rainfall event. All river reaches are within their seasonal ranges.

    Rice Lake and the Lower Trent

    Rice Lake is below average and declining and the Lower Trent River reaches remain in the seasonal ranges. Trent River flows are above average.

    Severn River

    Lake Simcoe water levels are near average. Black River and Severn River flows are near average. River and lake sections on the Severn River are below average.

  • July 7, 2022

    Weather

    The 14-day forecast suggests continued high temperatures with little to no rainfall in the first six days and some potential rainfall in the seven to 14-day range. Most of the rainfall forecasted is associated with thunderstorms and could be highly variable from one location to another.

    Haliburton and Northern Areas

    Most lakes are near their long-term average water levels. The Gull River reservoirs are 91% full. Burnt River reservoirs are 87% full. The Central Reservoirs are 92% full. The drawdown will start this week, and the rate of drop will be largely dependent on the rainfall received. The most recent two-week water level forecast can be found here: https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/lhn-nhs/on/trentsevern/info/infonet/rabattement-drawdown-forecast

    Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River

    The Kawartha Lakes are near the average. The dam in Lindsay, controlling the levels on Lake Scugog, has all logs in. The Otonabee River is at minimum flow.

    Rice Lake and the Lower Trent

    Rice Lake is at average water levels, and the Lower Trent river reaches remain in the standard ranges.

    Severn River

    Lake Simcoe’s water levels are on average. Black River flows, and Severn River flows are below average. Flow changes may continue depending on the rainfall received. Lake St. John is at summer set.

  • June 16, 2022

    Weather

    Over the past 15 days, the Trent-Severn’s watersheds have received significant amounts of precipitation, the equivalent of 100 - 200% above the normal amount expected for this time. Residents and visitors should exercise extreme caution around and on the water.

    Isolated thunderstorm activity is expected today and early next week with 5 days totals of potentially 10-30 mm across the Trent-Severn Waterway. Soil conditions across the watershed are saturated and lakes are over- full. Please check the website of your local conservation authority or the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry for the most up to date watershed conditions.

    Haliburton and Northern Areas

    Levels on the Gull River, Burnt River and Central Lakes are above average and expected to increase with the forecasted rainfall. Flows on the Gull River have stabilized but will remain high. Flows on the Burnt River are receding but rate of recession is subjected the amount of forecasted rain.

    Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River

    The Kawartha Lakes levels are above average, increasing and expected to stabilize over the weekend. Flows on Otonabee River are high and will be further increased during navigation shutdown to provide some relief for Kawartha Lakes system. The flows and levels are subject to forecasted rain. Caution should be exercised on or near the river and especially near dams.

    Rice Lake and the Lower Trent

    Water levels on Rice Lake and the Lower Trent are high and are expected to increase with the forecasted rain. The Lower Trent is navigable however flow is high and will remain high. Caution should be exercised on or near the river and especially near dams.

    Severn River

    Lake Simcoe is high and with the rain forecast it is expected to increase. Black River flow is receding but subject to the forecasted rain. Flows will remain high on the Severn River. Please exercise caution when travelling on the River and around dams.

    Navigation Outside of Operation Hours

    Please exercise caution when travelling on the River and around dams. Flows at Swift Rapids and the Lower Trent will increase during the night to continue to reduce levels and flows. Residents are advised to exercise caution if travelling outside Parks Canada hours of operation.

    Hours of Operation

    Please note: Station opening and closing times, as well as first and last lockage, are not guaranteed and may be affected by water management duties, maintenance activities or other types of navigation interruptions.

  • June 10, 2022

    Weather

    Over the past 7 days, the watersheds have received 50 - 100 mm of rain which significantly exceeds the normal precipitation for the month of May and early June. The last 25 days have seen precipitation values in excess of 50-75 % above normal, which has increased 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. The weather forecast suggests that there is a risk of further thunderstorms towards the end of the week across the Trent-Severn.

    Haliburton and Northern Areas

    The Gull, Burnt, and Central Lakes are full to slightly overfull due to the recent rain. Flows on the Gull have not peaked and will increase as a result of adjustments and current levels upstream. The Burnt River is expected to peak within the next 48 hours.

    Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River

    The Kawartha Lakes levels are above average and expected to further increase as a result of recent rain. The Otonabee River flow is higher than normal and will remain high due to the recent rain.

    Rice Lake and the Lower Trent

    Rice Lake is above average. Lower Trent flows are elevated due to rain.

    Severn River

    The Black River has not peaked, but water levels and flows are high on the Severn River and will remain high until water levels decrease on Lake Simcoe and Sparrow Lake. Flows across the navigation channel will increase during the night to reduce levels on the system. The public should consider these overnight flows as non-navigable. Therefore residents are advised to exercise extreme caution if travelling outside Parks Canada’s hours of operation.

  • May 20, 2022

    Weather

    The 14-day forecast suggests a high-temperature trend for the watersheds of the Trent-Severn Waterway system. There is up to 30 mm of rainfall forecasted for the next 5 days. Most of the rainfall forecasted is associated with thunderstorms and could be highly variable from one location to another.

    Outlook

    The watersheds of the Haliburton reservoirs experienced earlier than normal freshet, which in combination with warmer air temperatures has resulted in the loss of most of the winter snowpack by late March and the recession of runoff by early April. Assuming seasonal average precipitation going forward, the public can expect lake levels to remain near full during the month of May, and seasonal averages through the summer. Currently, flows are below average across the Trent-Severn watersheds.

    The Trent-Severn Water Management team will be actively monitoring conditions. All watershed condition updates will be released by your Conservation Authority.

    Haliburton and Northern Areas

    In general, water levels in the Haliburton Reservoirs are near average for this time of year. The flows on both the Gull and Burnt river, as well as the flow-through lakes are below average and therefore well within recreational limits. As usual, water levels are expected to gradually recede and flows are expected to remain stable, assuming average temperatures and precipitation.

    Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River

    The Kawartha Lakes water levels are above average and expected to remain stable. Flows on the Otonabee River are below average for this time of year and the river reaches remain in the standard navigation ranges. The dam in Lindsay, controlling the levels on Lake Scugog, has all logs in.

    Rice Lake and the Lower Trent

    Rice Lake is at average water levels, and the Lower Trent river reaches remain in the standard navigational ranges.

    Severn River

    Lake Simcoe water levels are average for this of year. Flows on the Black and Severn Rivers are below average and are receding. Operations for Lake St. John are completed for summer set.

  • March 18, 2022

    Weather

    The weather forecast for next 5 days is predicting a moderate mixed precipitation event of 20 mm combined with plus temperatures approaching 10 degrees and above zero at night.

    Outlook

    Recent weeks warm temperatures have primed the snow to be ready to run off and current above zero temperature trend resulted in the ongoing snowmelt in the southern watershed. Haliburton snowpack remained stable with no significant losses and tracks close to seasonal averages. Water levels and outflows are expected to remain elevated at all locations due to the precipitation and snow melt. Trent Severn Water Management team will be active and the changing conditions will be closely monitored. Any watershed conditions updates will be released by your Conservation Authority or local Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources district.

    Haliburton and Northern Areas

    Most of the reservoir lakes remain at their respective winter set dam configuration. Operational activities in some reservoir lakes are conducted in anticipation of localized melt. Water levels on the lakes in general are well below average and are levelling off and/or slightly increasing. Flows on the Gull and Burnt Rivers remain on 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 slowly recede with warm temperatures and localized melt.

    Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River

    Water levels on the Kawartha Lakes are well below average, but are expected to level off due to the forecasted rain and ongoing snow melt. Water flows on the Otonabee River are above average for this time of year. Flows will likely remain higher as a result of the mild temperatures and precipitation.

    Rice Lake and the Lower Trent

    Rice Lake water level is below long term average and is leveling off. Water flows on the Lower Trent River are on average and expected to increase due to the amounts of the forecasted precipitation.

    Severn River

    Lake Simcoe water levels are above average, and are levelled off but are expected to increase. Flows on the Black River are on average and stable and expected to increase. Flows on the Severn River are on average and will continue to increase with additional discharge from Lake Simcoe and additional inflows generated by the mild temperature and rain.

2021
  • December 20, 2021

    Weather

    The weather forecast for early next week is changing significantly from day to day. A 20 to 30 mm of mixed precipitation event is forecasted across next 5 days.

    Outlook

    Precipitation amounts for September to December 2021 have contributed to 100-125 % more precipitation relative to normal. Rainfall and warm temperatures earlier in the month have generated active snow melt which, in combination with the above normal precipitation amounts, resulted in raising the flows and water levels across the watersheds. With currently forecasted air temperatures below zero, water levels and outflows are expected to crest and slowly recede at all locations. However, there is a measure of uncertainty associated with this. Depending on the exact amounts of precipitation over the next 5 days, whether it falls as rain or snow and whether air temperature is above or below zero, local snow melt and snow melt runoff may occur, impacting the watershed response. 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

    The temperature variations around and above the freezing mark makes ice weak along the shoreline which is then easily broken and moved by windy conditions. The 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.

    Haliburton and Northern Areas

    All reservoir lakes remain at their respective winter set dam configuration. Water levels on the lakes in general are well above average and are beginning to level out. Flows on the Gull River and Burnt River are above average. Central Lakes levels are above average for this time of the year.

    Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River

    After the snow melt and rainfall of last week most of the Kawartha Lakes are above average; water levels on the Kawartha Lakes have peaked and are beginning to decline. Flows on the Otonabee River are higher than average for this time of year.

    Rice Lake and the Lower Trent

    Rice Lake water level is above long term average and is leveling off. Flows on the Lower Trent River are above average and are beginning to decline.

    Severn River

    Lake Simcoe is above the long term average water level and outflows have been maximized. Flows on the Black River are above average. Flows on the Severn River are above average.

  • September 23, 2021

    Weather

    Significant rainfall occurred over past 2 days and resulted in total precipitation over that time period of about 60-100 mm which increased water levels and flows across the system. Some rainfall forecast is expected today with a potential accumulation of 10-20 mm and higher in the areas of localized thunderstorm activity.

    Outlook

    Due to the localized nature of the rain events some areas have received 150% of the normal monthly precipitation in September. The impacts from the above average amounts of precipitation received remain across the system. Flows and levels are above normal for this time of the year across all locations.

    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.

    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 average. Lake levels are monitored on a 24 hour basis and water management operations are being conducted based on the current watershed conditions, lake levels, estimated runoff amounts and forecasted rainfall. The flows on Burnt River and Gull River are above average and increasing and are expected to be sustained by the enhanced runoff from precipitation and operations in reservoirs. 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 and are expected to increase across the system due to sustained and elevated inflows from the Haliburtons areas and the received amounts of rainfall. Flows on the Otonabee River are 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 average for this time of year. Flows on the Trent River are above average and above normal for this time of year.

    Severn River

    Lake Simcoe water levels are above average, and expected to increase from resulted and the forecasted rain amounts. Black River flows are increasing as a result of the recent rain event. Lake Simcoe outflows are increased. Flows on the Severn River are increasing and are likely to remain high.

  • July 14, 2021

    Weather

    The five day weather forecast is predicting a low system which may result in total of 30-40 mm of rain and heavier amounts in localized areas impacted by thunderstorms.

    Outlook

    During the last 3 weeks Trent-Severn watersheds have received close to 100 mm above normal amount of rain. Due to the localized nature of the rain events some areas have received twice the monthly precipitation. The impacts from the above average amounts of precipitation received remain across the system. Flows and levels are above normal for this time of the year across all locations.

    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.

    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 near full and are increasing. Lake levels are monitored on a 24 hour basis and water management operations are being conducted based on the current watershed conditions, lake levels, estimated runoff amounts and forecasted rainfall. The flows on Burnt River are above average and increasing and are expected to be sustained by the enhanced runoff from precipitation and operations in reservoirs. 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 elevated inflows from the Haliburtons areas and the received amounts of rainfall. Flows on the Otonabee River are 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 average for this time of year. The Crowe River has peaked and is receding.

    Severn River

    Lake Simcoe water levels are above average, above full, and 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. Lake Simcoe outflows are being increased as Black River flows continue to decline. Flows on the Severn River are stable and are likely to remain high.

  • June 15, 2021

    Weather

    Rainfall amounts for March-May have contributed to 40-55 % less precipitation compared to the long term mean value for spring season. The month of May contributed to values that are less than 50-75 mm than the long term mean. The 5 day forecast suggests 15-25 mm of rain and above 20 C day time air temperatures. Most of the rainfall forecasted is associated with thunderstorms and could be highly variable from one location to another.

    Outlook

    The spring of 2021 has presented a unique set of challenges for the water management program of the Waterway. The early melt and exceedingly dry conditions resulted in the minimal flows experienced since early April until present across the system and the low levels in all flow-through lakes. The dry conditions resulted in additional strain on some of the Haliburton Reservoirs more than others. Every effort is made to ensure that water management decisions are carefully considered, acknowledging Parks Canada’s responsibility to balance the needs of all users in the system.

    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.

    Haliburton and Northern Areas

    Most lakes are below long term average water levels. The Gull River reservoirs are 85% full. Burnt River reservoirs are 90% full. The Central Reservoirs are 91% full. The drawdown has commenced and the rate of drop will be largely dependent on the rainfall received. The most recent water level forecast can be found here: https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/lhn-nhs/on/trentsevern/info/infonet/rabattement-drawdown-forecast

    Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River

    The Kawartha Lakes are below average. The dam in Lindsay, controlling the levels on Lake Scugog, has all logs in. Otonabee River flows have been reduce to minimum.

    Rice Lake and the Lower Trent

    Rice Lake is near the average water levels and the Lower Trent river reaches remain in the standard navigable ranges.

    Severn River

    Lake Simcoe water levels are below average. The outflows from Lake Simcoe are minimal. Black River flows are below average and approaching minimal flows for this time of the year. Severn River flows have been reduced to minimum. Flow changes may continue depending on the rainfall received. Lake St. John is at summer set.

  • June 2, 2021

    Weather

    Rainfall amounts for March-May have contributed to 40-55 % less precipitation compared to the long term mean value for spring season. The month of May contributed to values that are less than 50-75 mm than the long term mean. The 10 day forecast suggests a transition to high temperatures approaching 30C. There is less than 5 mm of rain in this week precipitation forecast. Most of the rainfall forecasted is associated with thunderstorms and could be highly variable from one location to another.

    Outlook

    The spring of 2021 has presented a unique set of challenges for the water management program of the Waterway. The early melt and exceedingly dry conditions resulted in the minimal flows experienced since early April until present across the system and the low levels in all flow-through lakes. The dry conditions resulted in additional strain on some of the Haliburton Reservoirs more than others. Every effort is made to ensure that water management decisions are carefully considered, acknowledging Parks Canada’s responsibility to balance the needs of all users in the system.

    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.

    Haliburton and Northern Areas

    Most lakes are near or below long term average water levels. The Gull River reservoirs are 87% full. Burnt River reservoirs are 95% full. The Central Reservoirs are 94% full. Flows on the Gull River have been at their minimum flows starting early April. Burnt River flows remain at their minimum flows beginning in early May.

    Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River

    The Kawartha Lakes are below average. The dam in Lindsay, controlling the levels on Lake Scugog, has all logs in. Otonabee River flows have been reduce to minimum.

    Rice Lake and the Lower Trent

    Rice Lake is below the average water levels and the Lower Trent river reaches remain in the standard navigable ranges.

    Severn River

    Lake Simcoe water levels are below average. The outflows from Lake Simcoe are minimal. Black River flows are below average and approaching minimal flows for this time of the year. Severn River flows have been reduced to minimum. Flow changes may continue depending on the rainfall received. Lake St. John is at summer set.

  • May 14, 2021

    Weather

    The total precipitation during 2021 winter was 25% less than normal followed by 50% less than normal amounts of precipitation in March and April. Rainfall amounts for early May have been near normal. The 7 day forecast suggests a transition to high temperatures. There is 5 mm of rainfall forecasted for this week.

    Outlook

    The Trent-Severn Waterway watersheds including the reservoirs experienced an earlier than normal freshet, which in combination with sustained warmer air temperatures has resulted in the loss of winter snowpack and melt runoff recession towards early April. The result of early melt and exceedingly dry conditions were the minimal flows experienced in April until present across the system. The most recent rain fall events (over the past 15 days) were spatially variable and currently, flows remain below average and receding across the Trent-Severn Watershed.

    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.

    Haliburton and Northern Areas

    In general, water levels in the Haliburton Reservoirs are below average. The Gull River reservoirs are 88% full. Burnt River reservoirs are 96% full. The Gull River and Burnt River flows are below average for this time of the year. The Central Reservoirs are 96% full. Levels are expected to gradually increase, and flows are expected to continue to recede with warmer temperatures and low precipitation.

    Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River

    Balsam, Scugog and Lovesick Lakes levels are above average. Cameron, Sturgeon, Buckhorn and Lower Buckhorn Lakes levels are below average. The Kawartha Lakes water levels expected to remain stable and gradually increase . Flows on the Otonabee River are below average for this time of year.

    Rice Lake and the Lower Trent

    Rice Lake is at average water levels and the Lower Trent river reaches remain in the standard seasonal ranges.

    Severn River

    Lake Simcoe water level is below average. Flows on the Black and Severn Rivers are below average and are receding. Operations for Lake St. John are completed for summer set.

  • April 4, 2021

    Weather

    The 7 day forecast is indicating temperatures above 10 degrees Celsius and a moderate precipitation amount of approximately 20 mm.

    Outlook

    The total precipitation for this past winter was 25 % less than normal values followed by 25-50% less than normal amounts of precipitation in March. The watersheds of the Haliburton reservoirs experienced an earlier than normal freshet, which in combination with sustained warmer air temperatures has resulted in the loss of winter snowpack during late March and melt runoff recession in early April. Presuming a normal amount of precipitation throughout the month of April, the public can expect the current lake levels to gradually rise during the month of May, achieving seasonal averages heading into summer. Currently, flows are well below to average and receding across the Trent-Severn Watershed.

    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.

    Haliburton and Northern Areas

    In general, water levels in the Haliburton Reservoirs vary across the system. In the Gull, the reservoir levels are near or below average. The Gull River flows are below average. The water levels in Burnt River reservoirs are near or above average . The Burnt River flows are below average and receding. Central Lakes levels are near and above average. Levels are expected to gradually increase, and flows are expected to continue to recede with warmer temperatures.

    Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River

    Balsam, Scugog and Lovesick Lakes levels are above average. Cameron, Sturgeon, Buckhorn and Lower Buckhorn Lakes levels are below average. The Kawartha Lakes water levels expected to remain stable and gradually increase . Flows on the Otonabee River are below average for this time of year.

    Rice Lake and the Lower Trent

    Rice Lake water level is below average. Flows on the Trent River are below average and are receding.

    Severn River

    Lake Simcoe water level is below average. Flows on the Black and Severn Rivers are below average and are receding.

  • March 30, 2021

    Weather

    The five day forecast is predicting less than 5 mm. Air temperatures will fluctuate but approach double digits in Haliburtons and will remain positive overnight towards the weekend.

    Outlook

    With the ongoing snowmelt and significant amount of rain received over the course of last week, coupled with warm temperatures, flows and water levels are expected to increase at all locations as the impacts of the rain and melting snow work their way through the system

    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

    The temperature variations around and above the freezing mark makes ice weak along the shoreline which is then easily broken and moved by windy conditions. The 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 not overly high. With the warmer temperatures persisting into next week, ice out should continue.

    Haliburton and Northern Areas

    With the ongoing snowmelt, water levels and flows are rising rapidly in the northern areas. Snow amounts are still remaining below the average for this time of the year in the most northern areas of the Gull River system. Most lakes on the Gull River and Burnt River systems are now above average and are rising due to the earlier than normal onset of the melt. Lake levels are monitored daily and assessed in relation to estimated runoff amounts. The flows on Gull River and Burnt River remain above average due to the snowmelt and operational activities. Flows on both rivers are anticipated to remain high. Most Central Lakes are rising due to the ongoing snowmelt and remain above average for this time of the year due to early snowmelt timing.

    Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River

    All Kawartha Lakes lake levels with exception of Lower Buckhorn Lake are above average. Levels on the Kawarthas are expected to rise due to high inflows from the Haliburton’s areas. 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 and the Lower Trent are anticipated to increase due to increased inflows from local creeks, the Otonabee River, Crowe River.

    Severn River

    Lake Simcoe water levels are near average and are slowly increasing. Black River flows are above average and continue to increase. Operations for Lake St. John, in preparation for increased flows on the Black River, are complete. Water levels and flows are expected to remain high everywhere on the Severn River.

  • March 24, 2021

    Weather

    The five-day forecast suggests 30-45 mm with air temperatures reaching double digits in the Haliburton areas.

    Outlook

    With the onset of the snowmelt and forecasted amount of rain coupled with warm temperatures, flows and water levels are expected to increase at all locations as the impacts of the rain and melting snow work their way through the system. 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

    The temperature variations around and above the freezing mark makes ice weak along the shoreline, which is then easily broken and moved by windy conditions. The 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 not overly high. With the warmer temperatures persisting into next week, ice-out should continue.

    Haliburton and Northern Areas

    With the recent warm temperature event, water levels and flows conditions correspond to the onset of the melt and are rising in northern areas. Snow amounts still remain but are below average for this time of the year in the most northern areas of the Gull River system. Most lakes on the Gull River and Burnt River systems remain below average but are rising due to the onset of the melt. Lake levels are monitored daily and assessed in relation to estimated runoff amounts. The flows on Gull River and Burnt remain below average. Flows are on both rivers are anticipated to increase.

    Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River

    Most Kawartha Lakes are below average. Levels on the Kawarthas are expected to rise due to increasing inflows from the Haliburton areas and the forecasted amounts of rainfall. Flows on the Otonabee River are below average for this time of year and will continue to increase. .

    Rice Lake and the Lower Trent

    Water levels on Rice Lake and the Lower Trent are anticipated to increase due to increased inflows from local creeks, the Otonabee River, Crowe River and the forecasted rainfall.

    Severn River

    Lake Simcoe water levels are below average and are slowly increasing. Black River flows are above average and continue to increase. Operations for Lake St. John in preparation for increased flows on the Black River are complete. Water levels and flows are expected to increase everywhere on the Severn River.

  • March 12, 2021

    Weather

    The 7-day forecast is indicating temperatures close to zero degrees Celsius and low precipitation amount. This week's weather event resulted in a small precipitation event of 5 mm combined with temperatures approaching above 10 degrees and above zero at night. The warm-up and cool-down period was estimated to be approximately 36 hours in length. The brief warm spell is followed by more seasonal temperatures.

    Outlook

    Rainfall and warm temperatures have, for the most part, primed the snow to be ready to run off and also resulted in the ongoing snowmelt in the southern watershed. Water levels and outflows are expected to remain elevated at all locations due to the precipitation and snowmelt. 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.

    Haliburton and Northern Areas

    Most of the reservoir lakes remain at their respective winter set dam configuration. Water levels on the lakes, in general, are below average and are levelling off after the recent event. Flows on the Gull and Burnt Rivers remain below average for this time of year and will likely stabilize with the onset of cold weather this weekend. The current snowpack is measured to vary from above average in some areas to average for this time of the year and is slowly receding with warm temperatures and localized melt.

    Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River

    Water levels on the Kawartha Lakes are below average but are levelling off due to the recent rain and ongoing snowmelt. Water flows on the Otonabee River are below average for this time of year. Flows will likely rise as a result of the mild temperatures and precipitation.

    Rice Lake and the Lower Trent

    Rice Lake's water level is above the long-term average and is rising as a result of the snowmelt. Water flows on the Lower Trent River are below average and expected to rise as a result of the recent event.

    Severn River

    Lake Simcoe water levels are below average and are increasing due to the recent event. Flows on the Black River are about average and rising but excepted to peak with the onset of the cold temperature this weekend. Flows on the Severn River are below average and will continue to increase with additional flows generated by the mild temperature.

2020
  • August 25, 2020

    Weather

    Despite the significant rainfall events early August, the strongly localized nature of these events has resulted in total summer months (90 days) precipitation amounts ranging from 10-50% below normal. The 14-day forecast suggests a high-temperature trend will remain in the system. There is 25-33 mm of rainfall forecasted for this week. Most of the rainfall forecasted is associated with thunderstorms and could be highly variable from one location to another.

    Haliburton and Northern Areas

    Most lakes are above the long term average water levels. The Gull River reservoirs are 69% full. Burnt River reservoirs are 70% full. The Gull River and Burnt River flows are below average for this time of the year. The Central Reservoirs are 71% full. The drawdown continues, and the rate of drop will be largely dependent on the rainfall received. The most recent two-week water level forecast can be found here https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/lhn-nhs/on/trentsevern/info/infonet/rabattement-drawdown-forecast

    Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River

    The Kawartha Lakes are near the average. The dam in Lindsay, controlling the levels on Lake Scugog, has all logs in. Due to high evaporation rates, the lake levels and flows are expected to decline and with the rate of decline depending on the rainfall received.

    Rice Lake and the Lower Trent

    Rice Lake is at average water levels, and the Lower Trent river reaches remain in the standard navigational ranges.

    Severn River

    As a result of the recent significant amounts of precipitation during the first week of August, Lake Simcoe water levels remain above average. Black River flows, and Severn River flows are above average contributed by precipitation events in Black River watershed and increased outflows from Lake Simcoe dams in response to elevated levels and flows across the system. Flow changes may continue depending on the rainfall received. Lake St. John is at summer set.

  • July 15, 2020

    Weather

    Rainfall amounts for May and June have been 25-50% below normal. The 14 day forecast suggests a high temperature trend will remain in the system. There is 7-24 mm of rainfall forecasted for this week. Most of the rainfall forecasted is associated with thunderstorms and could be highly variable from one location to another.

    Haliburton and Northern Areas

    Most lakes are below long term average water levels. The Gull River reservoirs are 82% full. Burnt River reservoirs are 78% full. The Gull River and Burnt River flows are below average for this time of the year. The Central Reservoirs are 87% full. The drawdown continues and the rate of drop will be largely dependent on the rainfall received. The most recent two-week water level forecast can be found here https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/lhn-nhs/on/trentsevern/info/infonet/rabattement-drawdown-forecast

    Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River

    The Kawartha Lakes are near the average due to the most recent precipitation event with total accumulation varying from 6-27 mm of rain. The dam in Lindsay, controlling the levels on Lake Scugog, has all logs in. Due to high evaporation rates the lake levels and flows are expected to decline and with the rate of decline depending on the rainfall received.

    Rice Lake and the Lower Trent

    Rice Lake is at average water levels and the Lower Trent river reaches remain in the standard navigational ranges.

    Severn River

    Lake Simcoe water levels are below average. Black River flows and Severn River flows are below average. Flow changes may continue depending on the rainfall received. Lake St. John is at summer set.

  • June 30, 2020

    Weather

    Rainfall amounts for May and June have been 25-50% below normal. The 14 day forecast suggests a transition to high temperatures. There is 0 mm of rainfall forecasted for this week and 5 mm forecasted for the following week. Most of the rainfall forecasted is associated with thunderstorms and could be highly variable from one location to another.

    Haliburton and Northern Areas

    Most lakes are near or below long term average water levels. The Gull River reservoirs are 92% full. Burnt River reservoirs are 91% full. The Central Reservoirs are 94% full. The drawdown will start this week and the rate of drop will be largely dependent on the rainfall received. The most recent two-week water level forecast can be found here https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/lhn-nhs/on/trentsevern/info/infonet/rabattement-drawdown-forecast

    Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River

    The Kawartha Lakes are below average. The dam in Lindsay, controlling the levels on Lake Scugog, has all logs in.

    Rice Lake and the Lower Trent

    Rice Lake is at average water levels and the Lower Trent river reaches remain in the standard ranges.

    Severn River

    Lake Simcoe water levels are below average. Black River flows and Severn River flows are below average. Flow changes may continue depending on the rainfall received. Lake St. John is at summer set.

  • May 5, 2020

    Weather

    The 7 day forecast is indicating temperatures above zero degrees Celsius and a low precipitation amount of approximately 5 mm.

    Outlook

    The watersheds of the Haliburton reservoirs experienced earlier than normal freshet, which in combination with warmer air temperatures has resulted in the loss of the most winter snowpack during late March and melt runoff recession in early April. Given the normal amount of April precipitation, the public can expect the current lake levels to gradually rise during the month of May, achieving seasonal averages heading into summer. Currently, flows are close to average and receding across the Trent-Severn Watershed.

    The Trent-Severn Water Management team will be actively monitoring the changing conditions. Any watershed condition updates will be released by your Conservation Authority

    Haliburton and Northern Areas

    In general, water levels in the Haliburton Reservoirs are below average. The Gull River flows are slightly above average. The Burnt River flows are below average and receding. Levels are expected to gradually increase, and flows are expected to continue to recede with warmer temperatures and low precipitation.

    Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River

    The Kawartha Lakes water levels are below average and expected to remain stable . Flows on the Otonabee River are below average for this time of year.

    Rice Lake and the Lower Trent

    The Kawartha Lakes water levels are below average, and levels are expected to gradually increase. Flows on the Otonabee River are below average for this time of year and are expected to continue to recede with warmer temperatures and low precipitation.

    Severn River

    Lake Simcoe water level is below average. Flows on the Black and Severn Rivers are below average and are receding. Operations for Lake St. John are completed for summer set.

  • April 17, 2020

    Weather

    The 7 day forecast is indicating temperatures close to zero degrees Celsius and mixed precipitation amount of approximately 10 mm.

    Outlook

    The watersheds of the Haliburton reservoirs experienced earlier than normal freshet which in combination with warmer air temperatures has resulted in the loss of the most winter snowpack. The melt event generated higher than seasonal inflows and resulted in higher lake levels of the reservoirs. Given the remaining potential for seasonal rains in April and May, the public can expect lake levels to be held to current levels or lower to accommodate precipitation and to mitigate flooding while gradually achieving seasonal averages heading into summer. Currently flows have peaked and receding across the Trent-Severn Watershed. The weather forecast suggests that flows and levels should remain steady.

    The Trent-Severn Water Management team will be actively monitoring the changing conditions. Any watershed condition updates will be released by your Conservation Authority

    Ice on Shorelines

    The freshet has increased water levels and as a result has moved the ice sheet on most lakes. As the ice sheet is not attached at the shoreline it can be moved by windy conditions. The areas subject to the greatest potential ice 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.

    Haliburton and Northern Areas

    In general, water levels in the Haliburton Reservoirs are above average; flows on the Gull and Burnt Rivers are below average. Levels and flows are expected to stabilize.

    Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River

    The Kawartha Lakes water levels are below average and expected to remain stable . Flows on the Otonabee River are below average for this time of year.

    Rice Lake and the Lower Trent

    Rice Lake water level is below average and leveling off. Flows on the Lower Trent River are expected to remain within their respectful seasonal levels for the coming weeks.

    Severn River

    Lake Simcoe water levels are below average. Flows on the Black and Severn Rivers are below average and receding.

  • March 23, 2020

    Weather

    The 7 day forecast is indicating temperatures close to zero degrees Celsius and mixed precipitation amount of approximately 15 mm.

    Outlook

    The watersheds experienced an onset of warm temperatures recently and precipitation received over the last week, totalled approximately 10 to 25 mm of rain. This weather resulted in high inflows which have increased water levels on lakes and river reaches. The weather forecast suggests that elevated flows and levels should remain steady.

    The Trent-Severn Water Management team will be actively monitoring the changing conditions. Any watershed condition updates will be released by your Conservation Authority

    Ice on Shorelines

    The recent precipitation event has increased water levels and as a result has moved the ice sheet on most lakes. As the ice sheet is not attached at the shoreline it can be moved by windy conditions. The areas subject to the greatest potential ice 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. Also of concern is some of the colder temperatures that are forecasted for beginning of next week. With high outflows on Otonabee and Trent Rivers there is a possibility of the formation of frazil ice and potential ice jams.

    Haliburton and Northern Areas

    In general, water levels in the Haliburton Reservoirs are above average; flows on the Gull and Burnt Rivers are above average. Levels and flows are expected to continue to increase with warmer temperatures and precipitation.

    Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River

    The Kawartha Lakes water levels are above average; some lake levels are still increasing. Flows on the Otonabee River are above average for this time of year and are increasing. Flows on the Otonabee River are expected to remain above average for the coming weeks.

    Rice Lake and the Lower Trent

    Rice Lake water level is below average and leveling off. Flows on the Lower Trent River are above average and will remain very high for the coming weeks.

    Severn River

    Lake Simcoe water levels are above average. Flows on the Black and Severn Rivers are above average and are levelling off. Operations for Lake St. John were completed prior to the precipitation event.

  • January 15, 2020

    Weather

    The 7 day forecast is indicating temperatures below zero degrees Celsius and snowfall amount of approximately 25 cm

    Outlook

    The recent precipitation received over the last week, totalled approximately 50 to 75 mm of rain, snow, freezing rain and ice pellets. This total precipitation resulted in high inflows which have increased water levels on lakes and river reaches. The weather forecast suggests that inflows should steadily decrease in the smaller watersheds and declines in lake water levels is expected afterwards.

    The Trent-Severn Water Management team will be actively monitoring the changing conditions. Any watershed condition updates will be released by your Conservation Authority

    Ice on Shorelines

    The recent high precipitation event has increased water levels and as a result has moved the ice sheet on most lakes. As the ice sheet is not attached at the shoreline it can be moved by windy conditions. The areas subject to the greatest potential ice 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. Also of concern is some of the colder temperatures that are forecasted for beginning of next week. With high outflows on Otonabee and Trent Rivers there is a possibility of the formation of frazil ice and potential ice jams.

    Haliburton and Northern Areas

    In general, water levels in the Haliburton Reservoirs are above average; flows on the Gull and Burnt Rivers are above average. Levels and flows are expected to peak in the next couple of days.

    Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River

    The Kawartha Lakes water levels are above average; some lake levels are still increasing. Flows on the Otonabee River are above average for this time of year and are increasing. Flows on the Otonabee River are expected to remain above average for the coming weeks.

    Rice Lake and the Lower Trent

    Rice Lake water level is above average and leveling off. Flows on the Lower Trent River are above average and will remain very high for the coming weeks.

    Severn River

    Lake Simcoe water levels are above average. Flows on the Black and Severn Rivers are above average and are levelling off. Operations for Lake St. John were completed prior to the precipitation event.

  • January 10, 2020

    Weather

    The Weather Network is currently forecasting 50 to 75 mm of rainfall across the entire Trent and Severn River watersheds. The bulk of this rainfall is anticipated to come Saturday

    Outlook

    The snow on the ground is variable across the Trent and Severn River Watersheds. Snow south of the Kawarthas is below seasonal values while snow pack north of the Kawarthas is near seasonal values. The warmer weather in combination with the forecasted rainfall will likely remove most of the snow in Kawartha lakes and Lower Trent watersheds. Flows in the Trent/Severn are anticipated to rise significantly and water levels are expected to increase in all lakes and river reaches.

    The Trent-Severn Water Management team will be actively monitoring the changing conditions. Any watershed condition updates will be released by your Conservation Authority

    Haliburton and Northern Areas 

    Most lakes are near or below long term average water levels. Gull and Burnt River are near or below average. Most Central lakes are below long-term average water levels.

    Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River

    The Kawartha Lakes are about 10 cm below average and declining. Otonabee River Flows are above average as a result of increased outflows in preparation of the large rainfall event. All river reaches are within their seasonal ranges.

    Rice Lake and the Lower Trent

    Rice Lake is below average and declining and the Lower Trent river reaches remain in the seasonal ranges. Trent River flows are above average.

    Severn River

    Lake Simcoe water levels are below average. Black River and Severn River flows are below average. River and lake sections on the Severn River are below average. Operations have been started for Lake St. John.


2019
  • August 20, 2019

    Weather

    Rainfall amounts for July have been at least 50-75 % below normal and spatially localized with the similar trends being observed for August. The 5 day forecast suggests that the above average temperatures will taper off near the end of the week and a small amount (5-10 mm) of precipitation is forecasted. Most of the rainfall which includes the recorded and forecasted is associated with thunderstorms and varies highly from one location to another.

    Summary

    The ongoing hot and dry conditions for the extended period of time have  resulted in lower than normal local inflows and enhanced the rates of evaporation. Persistent dryness especially in the areas that missed out on the localized precipitation continues and the overall system remains in below normal summer conditions.  Water management and operational activities are conducted to appropriately respond to the changes.

    The Trent-Severn Water Management team will be actively monitoring the changing conditions. Any watershed condition updates will be released by your Conservation Authority

    Haliburton and Northern Areas 

    Most lakes are near or below long term average water levels.  Levels continue to decline at a steady rate due to the active drawdown and enhanced lake evaporation rates. The Gull River reservoirs are 67% full. The Gull River flows are on average as a result of active drawdown of reservoirs . Burnt River reservoirs are 67% full. The Burnt River flows are close to average. The Central Reservoirs are 72% full. The active drawdown will continue and the above average rate of decline should be expected to continue based on the current forecast. Read the most recent water level forecast.

    Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River

    The Kawartha Lakes are near full and below average. Otonabee River Flows have been minimized in order to reduce the amount of water needed from the reservoirs. The dam at Lindsay is fully closed and evaporation rates are high on Lake Scugog.

    Rice Lake and the Lower Trent

    Rice Lake is above average and the Lower Trent river reaches remain in the standard ranges. Trent River flows are below the average.

    Severn River

    Lake Simcoe water levels are below average and declining due to high evaporation rates. The Severn River flows have been minimized and below average for this time  of the year. Lake St. John is at summer set.

  • August 13, 2019

    Weather

    Rainfall amounts for July have been at least 50-75 % below normal and spatially localized with the similar trends being observed for August. The 5 day forecast suggests that above average temperatures will remain combined with minimal amounts of precipitation. Most of the rainfall which includes the recorded and forecasted is associated with thunderstorms and varies highly from one location to another.

    Summary

    The ongoing hot and dry conditions for the extended period of time have resulted in lower than normal local inflows and enhanced the rates of evaporation. Persistent dryness continues especially in the areas that missed out on the localized precipitation and the overall system remains in below normal summer conditions. Water management and operational activities are conducted to appropriately respond to the changes.

    The Trent Severn Water Management team will be active and the changing conditions will be closely monitored. Any watershed conditions updates will be released by your Conservation Authority or local Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources district. 

    Haliburton and Northern Areas 

    Most lakes are near or below long term average water levels. Levels continue to decline at a steady rate due to the active drawdown and enhanced lake evaporation rates. The Gull River reservoirs are 74% full. The Gull River flows are on average as a result of active drawdown of reservoirs . Burnt River reservoirs are 73% full. The Burnt River flows are below average. The Central Reservoirs are 76% full. The active drawdown will continue and the above average rate of drop should be expected to continue based on the current forecast. The most recent water level forecast.

    Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River

    The Kawartha Lakes are near full and below average. Otonabee River Flows have been minimized in order to reduce the amount of water needed from the reservoirs.

    Rice Lake and the Lower Trent

    Rice Lake is above average and the Lower Trent river reaches remain in the standard ranges. Trent River flows are below the average.

    Severn River

    Lake Simcoe water levels are below average and declining. The Severn River flows are below average. Lake St. John is at summer set.

  • August 6, 2019

    Weather

    Rainfall amounts for July have been at least 75 % below normal and spatially localized with the similar trends being observed for August. The 5 day forecast suggests that above average temperatures will remain. There is about 10-15 mm of rainfall forecasted for this week. Most of the rainfall forecasted is associated with thunderstorms and could be highly variable from one location to another.

    Summary

    The ongoing hot and dry conditions for the extended period of time have resulted in lower than normal local inflows and enhanced the rates of evaporation and the system transitioned from a normal summer condition at the beginning of July to below normal conditions by late July and early August. Water management and operational activities are conducted to appropriately respond to the changes and may result in water level and fluctuations across the system.

    The Trent Severn Water Management team will be active and the changing conditions will be closely monitored. Any watershed conditions updates will be released by your Conservation Authority or local Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources district. 

    Haliburton and Northern Areas 

    Most lakes are near or below long term average water levels. Levels continue to decline at a steady rate due to the active drawdown and enhanced lakeevaporation rates. The Gull River reservoirs are 78% full. Burnt River reservoirs are 76% full. The Gull and Burnt River flows are slightly below the average. The Central Reservoirs are 80% full. The active drawdown will continue and the above average rate of drop should be expected to continue based on the current forecast. The most recent water level forecast.

    Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River

    The Kawartha Lakes are near full and below average. Otonabee River Flows have been minimised in order to reduce the amount of water needed from the reservoirs.

    Rice Lake and the Lower Trent

    Rice Lake is above average and the Lower Trent river reaches remain in the standard ranges. Trent River flows are below the average.

    Severn River

    Lake Simcoe water levels are below average and declining. The Severn River flows are below average. Lake St. John is at summer set.

  • July 19, 2019

    Weather

    Rainfall amounts for June have been below normal and spatially localized with the similar trends being observed for July. The 5 day forecast suggests that above average temperatures will remain. There is about 10-20 mm of rainfall forecasted for this week. Most of the rainfall forecasted is associated with thunderstorms and could be highly variable from one location to another.

    Summary

    Despite the wetter than normal spring conditions the sudden shift to the current hot and dry conditions resulted in a quick reduction of local inflows and enhanced the rates of evaporation. As the system quickly transitioned from a surplus state to summer like conditions water management and operational activities were conducted to appropriately respond to the changes and resulted in water level and fluctuations across the system.

    The Trent Severn Water Management team will be active and the changing conditions will be closely monitored.   Any watershed conditions updates will be released by your Conservation Authority or local Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources district. 

    Haliburton and Northern Areas 

    Most lakes are near or above long term average water levels. The Gull River reservoirs are 91% full. Burnt River reservoirs are 91% full. The Gull and Burnt River flows are slightly below the average. The Central Reservoirs are 91% full. The active drawdown will continue and the rate of drop will be largely dependent on the rainfall received. The most recent water level forecast.

    Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River

    The Kawartha Lakes are near average. The dam in Lindsay, controlling the levels on Lake Scugog, has all logs in and the lake level has increased from the recent rain. Otonabee River Flows are below the average for this time of the year.

    Rice Lake and the Lower Trent

    Rice Lake is above average and the Lower Trent river reaches remain in the standard ranges. Trent River flows are below the average.

    Severn River

    Lake Simcoe water levels are above average due to the recent localized rain events. Flow increases have been seen on the Green and Severn Rivers. Flow increases may continue depending on the rainfall received. Severn River flows are above average. Lake St. John is at summer set.

  • May 9, 2019

    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 will be active and the changing conditions will be closely monitored.   Any watershed conditions 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. 

  • May 4, 2019

    Weather

    The five day weather forecast is predicting  a relatively dry period with less than 5 mm of rain.   

    Outlook

    While the snowmelt  runoff is receding, the impact from the received rain remains across the system.  Flows and water levels remain high and continue to increase at some locations as the impacts of the rain runoff is making its way through the system.

    The Trent Severn Water Management team will be active and the changing conditions will be closely monitored.   Any watershed conditions 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 Gull River and Burnt River have peaked but are expected to remain high because of the high amount of runoff from precipitation. 

    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 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, and are increasing due to increased inflows from local creeks, the Otonabee River, Crowe River and the above normal precipitation amounts. Crower River has peaked and is receding.

    Severn River

    Lake Simcoe water levels are above average, above full and increasing and will continue to increase with high inflows and the received precipitation 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. 

  • April 30, 2019

    Weather

    The five day weather forecast is predicting  another heavy and widespread rain event with totals as high as 55 mm of precipitation.  Air temperatures remain around double digits in Haliburtons and positive overnight. 

    Outlook

    While the snowmelt  runoff is receding, the impact from the forecasted amount of rain remains a concern.  Flows and water levels remain high and will continue to increase at all locations as the impacts of the rain runoff will making its way through the system.

    The Trent Severn Water Management team will be active and the changing conditions will be closely monitored.   Any watershed conditions updates will be released by your Conservation Authority or local Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources district. 

    Ice on shorelines

    The temperature variations above the freezing mark makes ice weak along the shoreline which is then easily broken and moved by windy conditions. The 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 up to 30 km/ hr gusts. With the warmer temperatures persisting into next week, ice out should continue. 

    Haliburton and Northern Areas 

    Water levels and flows remain high in northern areas. Most lake levels on the Gull River system are above full  and expected to increase as a result of the forecasted rain amounts. Most lake levels on the Burnt River system are near full  and expected to  increase as a result of the forecasted rain amounts. Most Central Lakes are near full. 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 Gull River and Burnt River are very high and expected to remain high sustained by the enhanced runoff from precipitation. 

    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 above average for this time of year and will continue to increase. 

    Rice Lake and the Lower Trent

    Water levels on Rice Lake, Upper and the Lower Trent River are above full, anticipated to increase due to increased inflows from local creeks, the Otonabee River, Crowe River and the forecasted rainfall. Crower River has peaked and receding.

    Severn River

    Lake Simcoe water levels are above average, above full and increasing and will continue to increase with high inflows from the forecasted precipitation amounts. Black River flows have peaked and receding, but remain high for this time of the year. Operations for Lake St. John in preparation for increased flows on the Black River are complete. Lake Simcoe outflows are being increased to balance the high level conditions and forecasted precipitation. Water levels and flows are will continue to increase everywhere on the Severn River.

  • April 25, 2019

    Weather

    The five day weather forecast is predicting  another heavy and widespread rain event with totals as high as 45 mm of precipitation with most of it occurring on Friday.  Air temperatures remain around double digits in Haliburtons and positive overnight. 

    Outlook

    With the ongoing snowmelt and significant received and forecasted amount of rain, coupled with warm temperatures, flows and water levels have increased and will continue to increase at all locations as the impacts of the rain and melting snow work their way through the system.

    The Trent Severn Water Management team will be active and the changing conditions will be closely monitored.   Any watershed conditions updates will be released by your Conservation Authority or local Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources district. 

    Ice on shorelines

    The temperature variations above the freezing mark makes ice weak along the shoreline which is then easily broken and moved by windy conditions. The 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 up to 30 km/ hr gusts. With the warmer temperatures persisting into next week, ice out should continue. 

    Haliburton and Northern Areas 

    With the onset of the snowmelt and significant rain amounts, water levels and flows are rising rapidly in northern areas. Snow amounts are still remaining in the most northern areas of the Gull River system. Most lake levels on the Gull River and Burnt River systems are now above average, above full and/or quickly approaching full conditions due to the melt and received rain, and will continue to rise as a result of the forecasted rain amounts. Most Central Lakes are above average. 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, snow pack conditions and forecasted rainfall. The flows on Gull River are very high, increasing with high runoff from the precipitation already received and expected to increase. The flows on the Burnt River declining, but remain high and expected to be sustained as a result of the forecasted precipitation. 

    Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River

    Water levels in the Kawartha Lakes are rising and  above full level conditions in Cameron, Scugog, Sturgeon, Buckhorn,  Lower Buckhorn, Stony and Katchewanooka Lakes. Water levels on the Kawartha Lakes are rising due to sustained and high inflows from the Haliburtons areas and the 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, Upper and the Lower Trent River are above full, anticipated to increase due to increased inflows from local creeks, the Otonabee River, Crowe River and the forecasted rainfall. 

    Severn River

    Lake Simcoe water levels are above average, above full and increasing and will continue to increase with high inflows from the forecasted precipitation amounts. Black River flows are above average, has peaked and receding. Operations for Lake St. John in preparation for increased flows on the Black River are complete. Lake Simcoe outflows have been optimally reduced to balance high level conditions in Severn River areas and flow increases from Black River. Water levels and flows are will continue to increase everywhere on the Severn River.

  • April 21, 2019

    Weather

    The five day weather forecast is predicting  from 10-15 mm of precipitation. Air temperatures remain around double digits in Haliburtons and positive overnight. 

    Outlook

    With the ongoing snowmelt and significant received and forecasted amount of rain, coupled with warm temperatures, flows and water levels have increased and will continue to increase at all locations as the impacts of the rain and melting snow work their way through the system.

    The Trent Severn Water Management team will be active and the changing conditions will be closely monitored.   Any watershed conditions updates will be released by your Conservation Authority or local Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources district. 

    Ice on shorelines

    The temperature variations around and above the freezing mark makes ice weak along the shoreline which is then easily broken and moved by windy conditions. The 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 up to 27 km/ hr gusts. With the warmer temperatures persisting into next week, ice out should continue. 

    Haliburton and Northern Areas 

    With the onset of the snowmelt and significant rain amounts, water levels and flows are rising rapidly in northern areas. Snow amounts are still remaining above average for this time of the year in the most northern areas of the Gull River system. Most lake levels on the Gull River and Burnt River systems remain below average but are rising due to the melt, accelerated with the warm temperatures and ongoing rainfall. Most Central Lakes are above average and are rising. 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, snow pack conditions and forecasted rainfall. The flows on Gull River and Burnt River are very high, increasing with high runoff from the precipitation already received and expected to increase.

    Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River

    Water levels in the Kawartha Lakes are rising and at or above full level conditions in Cameron, Scugog, Sturgeon, Lower Buckhorn, Stony and Katchewanooka Lakes. Water levels on the Kawartha Lakes are rising due to sustained and high inflows from the Haliburtons areas and the 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, Upper and the Lower Trent River are above full, anticipated to increase due to increased inflows from local creeks, the Otonabee River, Crowe River and the forecasted rainfall. 

    Severn River

    Lake Simcoe water levels are above average, above full and increasing and will continue to increase with high inflows from the received precipitation amounts. Black River flows are above average and continue to increase. Operations for Lake St. John in preparation for increased flows on the Black River are complete. Lake Simcoe outflows have been optimally reduced to balance high level conditions in Severn River areas and flow increases from Black River. Water levels and flows are will continue to increase everywhere on the Severn River.

  • April 19, 2019

    Weather

    The five day weather forecast is predicting  up to 46 mm of precipitation, with heavier amounts expected in the areas of Lake Simcoe, the Kawartha Lakes and the Trent River.  Air temperatures remain around double digits in Haliburtons and positive overnight. 

    Outlook

    With the ongoing snowmelt and significant received and forecasted amount of rain, coupled with warm temperatures, flows and water levels have increased and will continue to increase at all locations as the impacts of the rain and melting snow work their way through the system.

    The Trent Severn Water Management team will be active and the changing conditions will be closely monitored.   Any watershed conditions updates will be released by your Conservation Authority or local Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources district. 

    Ice on shorelines

    The temperature variations around and above the freezing mark makes ice weak along the shoreline which is then easily broken and moved by windy conditions. The 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 up to 34 km/ hr gusts. With the warmer temperatures persisting into next week, ice out should continue. 

    Haliburton and Northern Areas 

    With the onset of the snowmelt and significant rain amounts, water levels and flows are rising rapidly in northern areas. Snow amounts are still remaining above average for this time of the year in the most northern areas of the Gull River system. Most lake levels on the Gull River and Burnt River systems remain below average but are rising due to the melt, accelerated with the warm temperatures and ongoing rainfall. Most Central Lakes, with thr exception of Jack lake, are below average and are rising. 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, snow pack conditions and forecasted rainfall. The flows on Gull River and Burnt River are increasing with high runoff from the precipitation already received.

    Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River

    Water levels in all of the Kawartha Lakes, with exception of Lower Buckhorn Lake,  are below average. Water levels on the Kawartha Lakes are rising due to sustained and high inflows from the Haliburtons areas and the received and forecasted 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 and the Lower Trent River are anticipated to increase due to increased inflows from local creeks, the Otonabee River, Crowe River and the forecasted rainfall. 

    Severn River

    Lake Simcoe water levels are below average, increasing and will continue to increase with forecasted precipitation amounts. Black River flows are above average and continue to increase. Operations for Lake St. John in preparation for increased flows on the Black River are complete. Water levels and flows are expected to increase everywhere on the Severn River.

  • April 18, 2019

    Weather

    The five day weather forecast is predicting up to 68 mm of precipitation. Air temperatures will approach double digits in Haliburtons and remain positive overnight. 

    Outlook

    With the ongoing snowmelt and significant forecasted amount of rain, coupled with warm temperatures, flows and water levels are expected to increase at all locations as the impacts of the rain and melting snow work their way through the system.

    The Trent Severn Water Management team will be active and the changing conditions will be closely monitored.   Any watershed conditions updates will be released by your Conservation Authority or local Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources district. 

    Ice on shorelines

    The temperature variations around and above the freezing mark makes ice weak along the shoreline which is then easily broken and moved by windy conditions. The 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 increasing to a high reaching up to 38 km/ hr gusts. With the warmer temperatures persisting into next week ice out should continue. 

    Haliburton and Northern Areas 

    With the onset of the snowmelt, water levels and flows are rising rapidly in northern areas. Snow amounts remain above average for this time of the year in the most northern areas of the Gull River system. Most lakes on the Gull River and Burnt River systems remain below average but are rising due to the onset of the melt. Lake levels are monitored daily and assessed in relation to estimated runoff amounts. Most Central Lakes with exception of Jack Lake are below average and are rising due to the ongoing snowmelt. The flows on Gull River and Burnt River remain above average due to the snowmelt and operational activities. Flows on both rivers are anticipated to increase with increased runoff from the forecasted precipitation. 

    Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River

    All Kawartha Lakes levels, with the exception of Lower Buckhorn Lake, are below average. Water levels on the Kawartha Lakes are expected to rise due to sustained and high inflows from the Halliburton areas, and the forecasted 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 and the Lower Trent are anticipated to increase due to increased inflows from local creeks, the Otonabee River, Crowe River and the forecasted rainfall. 

    Severn River

    Lake Simcoe water levels are below average and are expected to increase with forecasted precipitation amounts. Black River flows are above average and will continue to increase. Operations for Lake St. John in preparation for increased flows on the Black River are complete. Water levels and flows are expected to increase everywhere on the Severn River. Operations were conducted to reduce the outflows from Lake Simcoe to balance the high water in the Severn River areas downstream of Washago.

  • April 17, 2019

    Weather

    The five day forecast is predicting 66 mm. Air temperatures will approach double digits in Haliburtons and will remain positive overnight.  

    Outlook

    With the ongoing snowmelt and significant forecasted amount of rain, coupled with warm temperatures, flows and water levels are expected to increase at all locations as the impacts of the rain and melting snow work their way through the system.

    The Trent Severn Water Management team will be active and the changing conditions will be closely monitored.   Any watershed conditions updates will be released by your Conservation Authority or local Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources district. 

    Ice on shorelines

    The temperature variations around and above the freezing mark makes ice weak along the shoreline which is then easily broken and moved by windy conditions. The 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 not overly high. With the warmer temperatures persisting into next week, ice out should continue. 

    Haliburton and Northern Areas 

    With the ongoing snowmelt, water levels and flows are rising rapidly in the northern areas. Snow amounts are still remaining above average for this time of the year in the most northern areas of the Gull River system. Most lakes on the Gull River and Burnt River systems remain below average but are rising due to the onset of the melt. Lake levels are monitored daily and assessed in relation to estimated runoff amounts. The flows on Gull River and Burnt River remain above average due to the snowmelt and operational activities. Flows on both rivers are anticipated to increase with increased runoff from the forecasted precipitation. Most Central Lakes are rising due to the ongoing snowmelt but remain below average for this time of the year due to late snowmelt timing. 

    Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River

    All Kawartha Lakes lake levels with exception of Lower Buckhorn Lake are below average. Levels on the Kawarthas are expected to rise due to high inflows from the Haliburton’s areas and the forecasted 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 and the Lower Trent are anticipated to increase due to increased inflows from local creeks, the Otonabee River, Crowe River and the forecasted rainfall

    Severn River

    Lake Simcoe water levels are below average and are slowly increasing. Black River flows are above average and continue to increase. Operations for Lake St. John, in preparation for increased flows on the Black River, are complete. Water levels and flows are expected to increase everywhere on the Severn River. Operations are conducted to reduce the outflows from Lake Simcoe to balance the high water in the Severn River areas downstream of Washago. 

  • April 16, 2019

    Weather

    The five day forecast is predicting 28-34 mm. Air temperatures will approach double digits in Haliburtons and will remain positive overnight. 

    Outlook

    With the onset of the snowmelt and significant forecasted amount of rain, coupled with warm temperatures, flows and water levels are expected to increase at all locations as the impacts of the rain and melting snow work their way through the system.

    The Trent Severn Water Management team will be active and the changing conditions will be closely monitored.   Any watershed conditions updates will be released by your Conservation Authority or local Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources district. 

    Ice on shorelines

    The temperature variations around and above the freezing mark makes ice weak along the shoreline which is then easily broken and moved by windy conditions. The 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 not overly high. With the warmer temperatures persisting into next week ice out should continue. 

    Haliburton and Northern Areas 

    With the onset of the snowmelt, water levels and flows are rising rapidly in the northern areas. Snow amounts are still remaining above average for this time of the year in the most northern areas of the Gull River system. Most lakes on the Gull River and Burnt River systems remain below average but are rising due to the onset of the melt. Lake levels are monitored daily and assessed in relation to estimated runoff amounts. Most Central Lakes are rising due to the ongoing snowmelt but remain below average for this time of the year due to late snowmelt timing.The flows on Gull River and Burnt River remain above average due to the snowmelt and operational activities. Flows on both rivers are anticipated to increase with increased runoff from the forecasted precipitation. 

    Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River

    All Kawartha Lakes lake levels are below average. Levels on the Kawarthas are expected to rise due to sustained and high inflows from the Haliburton’s areas and the forecasted 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 and the Lower Trent are anticipated to increase due to increased inflows from local creeks, the Otonabee River, Crowe River and the forecasted rainfall. 

    Severn River

    Lake Simcoe water levels are below average and are slowly increasing. Black River flows are above average and continue to increase. Operations for Lake St. John, in preparation for increased flows on the Black River, are complete. Water levels and flows are expected to increase everywhere on the Severn River. The levels on Lake Simcoe will continue to be monitored and the balancing of the high water in the Severn River areas downstream of Washago will continue.

  • April 14, 2019

    Weather

    The five day forecast suggests 63-73 mm with 50 percent of this amount expected within the next 24 hours. Air temperatures will remain above zero during the day and will approach freezing mark overnight. 

    Outlook

    With onset of the snowmelt and significant forecasted amount of rain coupled with warm temperatures  flows and water levels are expected to increase at all locations as the impacts of the rain and melting snow work their way through the system.

    The Trent Severn Water Management team will be active and the changing conditions will be closely monitored.   Any watershed conditions updates will be released by your Conservation Authority or local Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources district. 

    Ice on shorelines

    The temperature variations around and above the freezing mark makes ice weak along the shoreline which is then easily broken and moved by windy conditions. The 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 not overly high. With the warmer temperatures persisting into next week ice out should continue. 

    Haliburton and Northern Areas 

    With the onset of the snowmelt water levels and flows are rising rapidly in northern areas. Snow amounts are still remaining above average for this time of the year in the most northern areas of the Gull River system. Most lakes on the Gull River and Burnt River systems remain below average but are rising due to the onset of the melt. Lake levels are monitored daily and assessed in relation to estimated runoff amounts. The flows on Gull River and Burnt remain above average due to the snowmelt and operational activities. Flows on both rivers are anticipated to increase with increased runoff from the forecasted precipitation. 

    Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River

    All Kawartha Lakes are below average. Levels on the Kawarthas are expected to rise due to higher inflows from the Halliburton’s areas and the forecasted 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 and the Lower Trent are anticipated to increase due to increased inflows from local creeks, the Otonabee River, Crowe River and the forecasted rainfall. 

    Severn River

    Lake Simcoe water levels are below average and are slowly increasing. Black River flows are above average and continue to increase. Operations for Lake St. John in preparation for increased flows on the Black River are complete. Water levels and flows are expected to increase everywhere on the Severn River. The levels on Lake Simcoe will continue to be monitored and the balancing of the high water in the Severn River areas downstream of Washago will continue.

  • April 11, 2019

    Weather

    The five day forecast suggests 30-45 mm with air temperatures reaching double digits in the Halliburton areas.  

    Outlook

    With onset of the snowmelt and forecasted amount of rain coupled with warm temperatures  flows and water levels are expected to increase at all locations as the impacts of the rain and melting snow work their way through the system.

    The Trent Severn Water Management team will be active and the changing conditions will be closely monitored.   Any watershed conditions updates will be released by your Conservation Authority or local Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources district. 

    Ice on shorelines

    The temperature variations around and above the freezing mark makes ice weak along the shoreline which is then easily broken and moved by windy conditions. The 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 not overly high. With the warmer temperatures persisting into next week ice out should continue. 

    Haliburton and Northern Areas 

    With the recent rain on snow event water levels and flows and the onset of the melt are rising rapidly in northern areas. Snow amounts are still remaining above average for this time of the year in the most northern areas of the Gull River system. Most lakes on the Gull River and Burnt River systems remain below average but are rising due to the onset of the melt. Lake levels are monitored daily and assessed in relation to estimated runoff amounts. The flows on Gull River and Burnt remain above average due to the snowmelt. Flows are on both rivers are anticipated to increase. 

    Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River

    All Kawartha Lakes are below average. Levels on the Kawarthas are expected to rise due to higher inflows from the Halliburton’s areas and the forecasted 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 and the Lower Trent are anticipated to increase due to increased inflows from local creeks, the Otonabee River, Crowe River and the forecasted rainfall. 

    Severn River

    Lake Simcoe water levels are below average and are slowly increasing. Black River flows are above average and continue to increase. Operations for Lake St. John in preparation for increased flows on the Black River are complete. Water levels and flows are expected to increase everywhere on the Severn River. 

  • April 9, 2019

    Weather

    The five day forecast suggests 5 to 10 mm of rainfall with no large amount on any given day. Evening temperatures are expected to drop below zero over the weekend in the Haliburton area. 

    Outlook

    Flows and water levels are expected to increase at all locations for the rest of the week as the impacts of the rain and melting snow work their way through the system.

    Trent Severn Water Management team will be active and the changing conditions will be closely monitored.   Any watershed conditions updates will be released by your Conservation Authority or local Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources district. 

    Ice on shorelines

    The temperature variations around and above the freezing mark makes ice weak along the shoreline which is then easily broken and moved by windy conditions. The 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 not overly high. With the warmer temperatures persisting into next week ice out should continue.

    Haliburton and Northern Areas 

    With the recent rain on snow event water levels and flows are rising rapidly in northern areas. Most lakes on the Gull River and Burnt River systems remain below average but are rising due to the onset of the melt. Lake levels are monitored daily and assessed in relation to estimated runoff amounts. The flows on Gull River and Burnt River remain above average due to the recent rain on snow event. Flows on both rivers are anticipated to increase. 

    Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River

    All Kawartha Lakes are below average. Levels on the Kawarthas are expected to rise due to higher inflows and the recent 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 and the Lower Trent are anticipated to increase due to increased inflows from local creeks, the Otonabee River and the recent rainfall. 

    Severn River

    Lake Simcoe water levels are below average and are slowly increasing. Black River flows are near average and continue to increase. Operations for Lake St. John in preparation for increased flows on the Black River are complete. Water levels and flows are expected to increase everywhere on the Severn River. 

  • March 31, 2019

    Weather

    The total amounts of mixed precipitation recorded across the watersheds for the past 36 hours were 20-40 mm. The weather forecast for next 5 days is predicting small precipitation amounts close to 5 mm rain and 5 cm of snow with warmer air temperatures early next week.

    Outlook

    Moderate rainfall preceded with warm temperatures have, for the most part, primed the snow to be ready to run off and also resulted in the 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 snow melt and runoff from rain. Trent Severn Water Management team will be active and the changing conditions will be closely monitored.   Any watershed conditions updates will be released by your Conservation Authority or local Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources district. 

    Haliburton and Northern Areas 

    Most of the reservoir lakes remain at their respective winter set dam configuration. Water levels on the lakes in general are well below average and have increased from moderate snowfall amounts.  Flows on the Gull remain above average for this time of year while and Burnt River flows are below average and are increasing from the local runoff.  Current snowpack is measured to vary from above average in some areas to average for this time of the year and is slowly receding with warm temperatures and localized melt.

    Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River

    Water levels on the Kawartha Lakes are well below average, but have increased as a result of rain and runoff and will continue to increase with ongoing snow melt and rain runoff. Water flows on the Otonabee River are above average for this time of year and are increasing.  Flows will remain higher as a result of the received precipitation.  

    Rice Lake and the Lower Trent

    Rice Lake water level is below long term average and increasing. Water flows on the Lower Trent River are above average and are increasing increase due higher amounts of the received precipitation.   

    Severn River

    Lake Simcoe water levels are below average, and are increasing due to the received precipitation and ongoing melt combined with precipitation runoff.  Flows on the Black River are below average and increasing. Flows on the Severn River are on average and will continue to increase with additional discharge from Lake Simcoe and additional inflows generated by the received precipitation.   

  • March 30, 2019

    Weather

    The weather forecast for next 5 days is predicting a heavy mixed precipitation event of 35-45 mm of snow and rain most of it expected to fall during the next 36 hours.   

    Outlook

    Rainfall and warm temperatures have, for the most part, primed the snow to be ready to run off and also resulted in the ongoing snowmelt in the southern watershed.  Water levels and outflows are expected to increase at all locations due to the precipitation and snow melt. Trent Severn Water Management team will be active and the changing conditions will be closely monitored.   Any watershed conditions updates will be released by your Conservation Authority or local Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources district. 

    Haliburton and Northern Areas 

    Most of the reservoir lakes remain at their respective winter set dam configuration. Water levels on the lakes in general are well below average and are levelling off and/or slightly increasing.  Flows on the Gull remain above average for this time of year while and Burnt River flows are below average 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 slowly receding with warm temperatures and localized melt.

    Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River

    Water levels on the Kawartha Lakes are well below average, but are levelling off and expected to increase with the incoming rain and ongoing snow melt. Water flows on the Otonabee River are above average for this time of year and are increasing.  Flows will remain higher as a result of the forecasted precipitation.  

    Rice Lake and the Lower Trent

    Rice Lake water level is below long term average and are increasing. Water flows on the Lower Trent River are on average and expected to increase due higher amounts of the forecasted precipitation.   

    Severn River

    Lake Simcoe water levels are below average, and are increasing due to the ongoing melt. Flows on the Black River are below average and increasing. Flows on the Severn River are on average and will continue to increase with additional discharge from Lake Simcoe and additional inflows generated by the forecasted precipitation.   

  • March 28, 2019

    Weather

    The weather forecast for next 5 days is predicting a moderate mixed precipitation event of 5-20 mm with heavier amounts expected further south combined with plus temperatures approaching 10 degrees and above zero at night.  

    Outlook

    Rainfall and warm temperatures have, for the most part, primed the snow to be ready to run off and also resulted in the ongoing snowmelt in the southern watershed.  Water levels and outflows are expected to remain elevated at all locations due to the precipitation and snow melt. Trent Severn Water Management team will be active and the changing conditions will be closely monitored. Any watershed conditions updates will be released by your Conservation Authority or local Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources district. 

    Haliburton and Northern Areas 

    Most of the reservoir lakes remain at their respective winter set dam configuration. Operational activities in some reservoir lakes are conducted in anticipation of localized melt. Water levels on the lakes in general are well below average and are levelling off and/or slightly increasing.  Flows on the Gull and Burnt Rivers remain above 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 slowly receding with warm temperatures and localized melt.

    Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River

    Water levels on the Kawartha Lakes are well below average, but are levelling off due to the recent rain and ongoing snow melt. Water flows on the Otonabee River are above average for this time of year.  Flows will likely remain higher as a result of the mild temperatures and precipitation.  

    Rice Lake and the Lower Trent

    Rice Lake water level is below long term average and is leveling off. Water flows on the Lower Trent River are on average and expected to increase due higher amounts of the forecasted precipitation. 

    Severn River

    Lake Simcoe water levels are below average, and are increasing due to the ongoing melt. Flows on the Black River are below average and stable. Flows on the Severn River are on average and will continue to increase with additional discharge from Lake Simcoe and additional inflows generated by the mild temperature.

  • March 22, 2019

    Weather

    The weather forecast for Thursday and Friday of this week is predicting a small precipitation event of 5 mm combined with plus temperatures approaching 10 degrees and above zero at night during the weekend. The warm up and cool down period is estimated to be approximately 36 hours in length. The brief warm spell is followed by more seasonal temperatures.

    Outlook

    Rainfall and warm temperatures earlier in the week have, for the most part, primed the snow to be ready to run off and even resulted in localized melt. Water levels and outflows are expected to remain elevated at all locations due to the precipitation and snow melt. Trent Severn Water Management team will be active and the changing conditions will be closely monitored. Any watershed conditions updates will be released by your Conservation Authority or local Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources district. 

    Haliburton and Northern Areas 

    Most of the reservoir lakes remain at their respective winter set dam configuration. Operational activities in some reservoir lakes were conducted last week to reduce water levels further in anticipation of localized melt. Water levels on the lakes in general are below average and are levelling off after the recent event. Flows on the Gull and Burnt Rivers remain above 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 slowly receding with warm temperatures and localized melt.

    Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River

    Water levels on the Kawartha Lakes are below average, but are levelling off due to the recent rain and ongoing snow melt. Water flows on the Otonabee River are above average for this time of year. Flows will likely remain higher as a result of the mild temperatures and precipitation.

    Rice Lake and the Lower Trent

    Rice Lake water level is below long term average and is leveling off. Water flows on the Lower Trent River are above average as a result of the recent event.

    Severn River

    Lake Simcoe water levels are below average, and are increasing due to the recent event. Flows on the Black River are about average and stable. Flows on the Severn River are above average and will continue to increase with additional discharge from Lake Simcoe and additional flows generated by the mild temperature.

  • March 12, 2019

    Weather

    The forecast for Thursday and Friday of this week suggests a precipitation event of 14 to 17 mm combined with plus temperatures approaching 10 degrees and above zero at night. The warm up and cool down period is estimated to be approximately 48 hours in length. The brief warm spell is followed by more seasonal temperatures.

    Outlook

    Rainfall and warm temperatures earlier in the week have for the most part primed the snow to be ready to run off. Water levels and outflows are expected to increase at all locations due to the precipitation and snow melt. Trent Severn Water Management team will be active and the changing conditions will be closely monitored. Any watershed conditions updates will be released by your Conservation Authority or local Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources district. 

    Haliburton and Northern Areas 

    All reservoir lakes remain at their respective winter set dam configuration. Water levels on the lakes in general are below average and are levelling off after the recent rain on snow event. Flows on the Gull and Burnt Rivers are near average for this time of year and will likely increase with the rainfall and warm temperatures. Current snowpack is measured to be above average for this time of the year.

    Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River

    The levels on the Kawartha Lakes are below average, being subject to the drawdown, but are levelling off due to the recent rain and snow melt event. Flows on the Otonabee River are on average for this time of year. Flows will likely remain higher as a result of the event and the continued need to drawdown the Kawartha Lakes.

    Rice Lake and the Lower Trent

    Rice Lake water level is below long term average and is leveling off. Flows on the Lower Trent River are above average as a result of the recent event.

    Severn River

    Lake Simcoe water levels are below average, and are increasing due to the recent event. Flows on the Black River are about average and increasing. Flows on the Severn River are below average and will continue to increase with additional discharge from Lake Simcoe and additional flows generated by the upcoming event.

  • February 7, 2019

    Weather

    The forecast for Thursday and Friday of this week suggests a low precipitation event of 5 to 10 mm combined with plus temperatures approaching 10 degrees.  The warm up and cool down period is estimated to be approximately 12 hours in length.  The brief warm spell is followed by more seasonal temperatures.   

    Outlook

    Rainfall and warm temperatures earlier in the week have for the most part primed the snow to be ready to run off.  Water levels and outflows are expected to increase at all locations due to the precipitation and snow melt. Trent Severn Water Management team will be active and the changing conditions will be closely monitored.   Any watershed conditions updates will be released by your Conservation Authority or local Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources district. 

    Haliburton and Northern Areas 

    All reservoir lakes remain at their respective winter set dam configuration. Water levels on the lakes in general are near average and are levelling off after the recent rain on snow event.  Flows on the Gull and Burnt Rivers are near average for this time of year and will likely increase with the rainfall and warm temperatures.  

    Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River

    The levels on the Kawartha Lakes are slightly above average due to the recent rain and snow melt event. Flows on the Otonabee River are above average for this time of year.  Flows will likely remain higher as a result of the event and the continued need to drawdown the Kawartha Lakes.  

    Rice Lake and the Lower Trent

    Rice Lake water level is above long term average and is decreasing. Flows on the Lower Trent River are above average as a result of the recent event.  

    Severn River

    Lake Simcoe water levels are near average, and are increasing due to the recent event; outflows from Lake Simcoe have been increased. Flows on the Black River are about average and increasing. Flows on the Severn River are about average and will continue to increase with additional discharge from Lake Simcoe and additional flows generated by the upcoming event.     

2018
December 19, 2018

Weather

The weather forecast for Thursday and Friday of this week suggests a precipitation event in the amount of 30 to 50 mm.

Outlook

Depending on the amounts of rain across the areas local snow melt and snow melt runoff will occur greatly impacting the watershed response. Water levels and outflows are expected to increase at all locations due to the precipitation. Trent Severn Water Management team will be active and the changing conditions will be closely monitored.  Any watershed conditions updates will be released by your Conservation Authority or local Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources district. 

Haliburton and Northern Areas 

All reservoir lakes remain at their respective winter set dam configuration. Water levels on the lakes in general are near average and are slowly decreasing. Flows on the Gull and Burnt Rivers are about average for this time of year. 

Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River

The levels on the Kawartha Lakes are below average. Flows on the Otonabee River are about average for this time of year.  

Rice Lake and the Lower Trent

Rice Lake water level is above long term average and is decreasing. Flows on the Lower Trent River are about average.  

Severn River

Lake Simcoe water levels are above average, above rule curve and declining. Lake Simcoe outflows are maximized. Flows on the Black River are about average and declining. Flows on the Severn River are above average and a result the water levels on Sparrow Lake are above average.   

November 30, 2018

Weather

The weather forecast for early next week is changing significantly from day to day. A 20 to 30 mm precipitation event is forecasted across Saturday and Sunday. 

Outlook

Depending on the amounts of rain across the areas local snow melt and snow melt runoff will occur greatly impacting the watershed response. The current forecast that water levels and outflows will increase at most locations. Trent Severn Water Management team will be active and the changing conditions will be closely monitored. Any watershed conditions updates will be released by your Conservation Authority or local Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources district. 

Haliburton and Northern Areas 

All reservoir lakes remain at their respective winter set dam configuration. Water levels on the lakes in general are slightly below average and are beginning to level out. Flows on the Gull River are slightly below average, while flows on the Burnt River are above average. Central Lakes levels are above average for this time of the year.

Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River

After the snow melt and rainfall of last week most of the Kawartha Lakes are above average; water levels on the Kawartha Lakes have peaked and are beginning to decline. Flows on the Otonabee River are higher than average for this time of year. 

Rice Lake and the Lower Trent

Rice Lake water level is above long term average and is leveling off. Flows on the Lower Trent River are above average and are beginning to decline. 

Severn River

Lake Simcoe is above the long term average water level. Flows on the Black River are above average. Flows on the Severn River are above average.

September 6, 2018

Weather

The current two week forecast is calling for approximately 10 to 20 mm of rainfall.  

Outlook

Water levels on the canal lakes and canal river reaches in general will be continue to be managed to seasonal values. The draw down of the Reservoir Lakes and Lake Simcoe will continue. .

Haliburton and Northern Areas 

The most recent drawdown forecast.

Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River

The Kawartha Lakes water levels are about average. The Otonabee River reaches remain in normal range. 

Rice Lake and the Lower Trent

Rice Lake is above average and the Lower Trent River reaches remain in normal range. 

Severn River

Lake Simcoe water levels are above average and the draw down continues. Levels on Sparrow Lake are above average. 

Dam Safety

Please continue to use caution when approaching the dams. Flows have increased at most locations and more dangerous conditions may exist than have for most of this summer.  

August 22, 2018

Weather

The current two week forecast is calling for approximately 20 to 30 mm of rainfall.  

Outlook

Water levels and flows have increased across the system after the recently received rainfall.  Water levels on the canal lakes and canal river reaches in general will be continue to be lowered to seasonal values.  The draw down of the Reservoir Lakes and Lake Simcoe will continue. .

Haliburton and Northern Areas 

The water levels in the reservoirs lakes in general are above average.  The Gull River reservoirs are 75% full. Burnt River reservoirs are 74% full. The Central Reservoirs are 76% full. The most recent drawdown forecast.

Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River

The Kawartha Lakes water levels are above average.  Outflows will be increased to to bring the water levels back down to more seasonal levels.

Rice Lake and the Lower Trent

Rice Lake is above average and the Lower Trent River reaches remain in normal range. Outflows from Rice Lake will be increased to bring the water levels to more seasonal levels.

Severn River

Lake Simcoe water levels are above average and the draw down continues. Outflows will be increased in order to bring Lake Simcoe down to more seasonal water levels.  As a result flows on the Green and Severn Rivers will increase.

Dam Safety

Please continue to use caution when approaching the dams.  Flows have increased at most locations and more dangerous conditions may exist than have for most of this summer.  

August 14, 2018

Weather

The current two week forecast is calling for approximately 100 mm of rainfall.  These rainfall amounts are associated with thunder-storms and as such, the actual received rainfall could be significantly variable from location to location.

A Level 1 low water condition has been issued by the Otonabee Region Conservation Authority and the Lower Trent Conservation Authority.

Outlook

Due to the high uncertainty associated with thunder-storms it is difficult to predict an outcome. However, if the predicted rainfall is received, an increase in flows and water levels is anticipated at all locations.

Haliburton and Northern Areas 

Most lakes are near or above long term average water levels. The Gull River reservoirs are 76% full. Burnt River reservoirs are 76% full. The Central Reservoirs are 77% full. In general, all of the reservoirs have about average water levels or above for this time of year.

Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River

The Kawartha Lakes are near average. Lake Scugog is slightly over full.

Rice Lake and the Lower Trent

Rice Lake is above average and the Lower Trent River reaches remain in normal range. 

Severn River

Lake Simcoe water levels are about average and the draw down continues. Outflows have been increased from Lake Simcoe to assist with the drawdown and this has resulted in increased flows on the Green and Severn Rivers.

July 31, 2018

Weather

Rainfall amounts for May, June have been below normal and until last week the same was true for July. The 14 day forecast suggests a transition to high temperatures. There is about 10-20 mm of rainfall forecasted for this week and an additional 20 mm forecasted for the following week. Most of the rainfall forecasted is associated with thunderstorms and could be highly variable from one location to another.   

Haliburton and Northern Areas

Most lakes are near or above long term average water levels. The Gull River reservoirs are 79% full. Burnt River reservoirs are 83% full. The Central Reservoirs are 84% full. The drawdown will continue and the rate of drop will be largely dependent on the rainfall received. The most recent water level forecast.  

Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River

The Kawartha Lakes are near average. The dam in Lindsay, controlling the levels on Lake Scugog, has all logs in and the lake level has increased from the recent rain. 

Rice Lake and the Lower Trent

Rice Lake is above average and the Lower Trent river reaches remain in the standard ranges. 

Severn River

Lake Simcoe water levels are about average. Small flow increases have been seen on the Green and Severn Rivers. Flow increases may continue depending on the rainfall received. Lake St. John is at summer set. 

July 9, 2018

Weather

Rainfall amounts for May and June have been below normal. The 14 day forecast suggests continued high temperatures with little to no rainfall in the first seven days and some potential rainfall in the 8 to fourteen day range.   

Haliburton and Northern Areas

The draw down of the Haliburton lakes is underway and will continue for the rest of summer. Most lakes are near long term average water levels. The Gull River reservoirs are 91% full. The Burnt Reservoirs are 89% full. The Central Reservoirs are 95% full. The most recent water level forecast. 

Water levels on Shadow Lake are anticipated to increase this week.  

Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River

The Kawartha Lakes are near average. The dam in Lindsay, controlling the levels on Lake Scugog, has all logs in. The Otonabee River is at minimum flow.  

Rice Lake and the Lower Trent

Rice Lake is being maintained slightly above average and the Lower Trent is being sustained currently by the minimum flows out of the Otonabee River. 

Severn River

Lake Simcoe water levels are slightly below average. Flows will continue to decrease down the Green and Severn Rivers. 

June 26, 2018

Weather

Rainfall amounts for May and June have been significantly below normal with highly localized precipitation events.  The 14 day forecast suggests a transition to high temperatures.   There is about 20 mm of rain forecasted for June 27th and about an additional 30 mm in the longer range forecast.   

Haliburton and Northern Areas

Most lakes are near long term average water levels.  The Gull River reservoirs are 95% full and Burnt River reservoirs are 93 % full. The Central Reservoirs are 98% full. Depending on the rain received on the 27th the drawdown could begin as early as the end of the week.  If the drawdown does begin water levels forecast will begin to be issued next week.  

Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River

The Kawartha Lakes are near average. The dam in Lindsay, controlling the levels on Lake Scugog, has all logs in. The Otonabee River is at minimum flow.  

Rice Lake and the Lower Trent

Rice Lake is being maintained slightly above average and the Lower Trent is being sustained currently by the minimum flows out of the Otonabee River. 

Severn River

Lake Simcoe water levels are above average, above rule curve and declining. Lake Simcoe outflows remain maximized as Black River flows continue to decline. Flows on the Severn River are stable and decreasing.

May 10, 2018

Weather

The weather forecast indicates no rain for the next 5 days. 

Outlook

In response to very warm temperatures and no precipitation the inflows are rapidly receding across the system. 

The Trent Severn Water Management team will be 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

Following the peak in freshet, the inflows to the lakes ceased at a very rapid rate due to higher than normal air temperatures and a dramatic reduction in the forecasted rain. Considering the high uncertainty in the forecast operations are being conducted to reduce the outflows from the lakes. Currently, most lakes on the Gull and Burnt River systems as well as the Central Lakes are levelling off or increasing as a result of the outflows reductions from operational adjustments. 

Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River

Rice Lake water level is declining. Flows on the Lower Trent River are declining.  

Rice Lake and the Lower Trent

Rice Lake water level is levelling off. Flows on the Lower Trent River are decreasing as the Crowe River is receding. 

Severn River

Lake Simcoe water levels are above average, above rule curve and declining. Lake Simcoe outflows remain maximized as Black River flows continue to decline. Flows on the Severn River are stable and decreasing.

May 7, 2018

Weather

The total amount of rain expected for the next 5 days is around 5 mm. 

Outlook

The inflows are receding across the system and as a result water levels are beginning to level off and/or decrease.

The Trent Severn Water Management team will be 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

Many of the lakes in the Gull River watershed are levelling off while some continue to rise at a reduced rate. Gull River flows remain stable and above average for this time of the year. Burnt River flows continue to recede. The lakes in the Burnt River watershed and Central Lakes are declining as the local inflows are beginning to slow significantly in this area.

Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River

Most of the Kawartha Lakes’ levels are cresting and/or declining. The flows on the Otonabee River remain stable.

Rice Lake and the Lower Trent

Rice Lake water level is levelling off. Flows on the Lower Trent River are decreasing as the Crowe River is receding. 

Severn River

Lake Simcoe water levels are above average, above rule curve and declining. Lake Simcoe outflows remain maximized as Black River flows continue to decline. Flows on the Severn River are stable and decreasing. 

May 6, 2018

Weather

The total amount of rain expected for the next 5 days is around 10 mm.

Outlook

The inflows are receding across the system and as a result water levels are beginning to level off and/or decrease.

The Trent Severn Water Management team will be 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

Most lakes on the Gull River continue to rise at a reduced rate. Gull River flows remain stable and above average for this time of the year. Burnt River flows continue to recede. The lakes on the Burnt River system and Central Lakes are declining as the local inflows are beginning to slow significantly in this area

Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River

Most of the Kawartha Lakes’ levels are cresting and/or declining. The flows on the Otonabee River remain stable. 

Rice Lake and the Lower Trent

Rice Lake water level is decreasing. Flows on the Lower Trent River are decreasing as the Crowe River is receding.

Severn River

Lake Simcoe water levels are above average, above rule curve and declining. Lake Simcoe outflows remain maximized as Black River flows continue to decline. Flows on the Severn River are stable and decreasing.

May 5, 2018

Weather

The total amount of rain expected for the next 5 days is less than 5 mm.

Outlook

The inflows are cresting and/or receding across the system and as a result water levels are beginning to decrease on numerous lakes while some lakes continue to increase at a reduced rate.

The Trent Severn Water Management team will be 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

Most lakes on the Gull River continue to rise. Gull River flows remain stable and above average for this time of the year. Burnt River flows continue to recede. The lakes on the Burnt River system and Central Lakes are declining as the local inflows are beginning to slow significantly in this area. . 

Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River

Most of the Kawartha Lakes are cresting and the flows on the Otonabee River remain stable. 

Rice Lake and the Lower Trent

Rice Lake water level is decreasing. Flows on the Lower Trent River are slowly decreasing as the Crowe River is receding.

Severn River

Lake Simcoe water levels are above average, above rule curve and remain stable. Lake Simcoe outflows remain maximized as Black River flows continue to decline. Flows on the Severn River are stable and are likely to decrease.

May 4, 2018

Weather

Today's forecast suggests various rainfall amounts ranging from 5 to 20 mm with a potential for thunderstorms. 

Outlook

With thunderstorms in the forecast and variable rain fall amounts it is very challenging to come up with predicted trends. In general, inflows are cresting and/or receding across the system and as a result water levels are beginning to decrease on numerous lakes while some lakes continue to increase at a reduced rate. Based on the received rainfall it is likely to level the decline off on some lakes while it may accelerate the increase on others. 

The Trent Severn Water Management team will be 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

Most lakes on the Gull River continue to rise. Gull River flows remain stable and above average for this time of the year. Burnt River flows continue to recede. The lakes on the Burnt River system and Central Lakes are declining as the local inflows are beginning to slow significantly in this area. 

Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River

The Kawartha Lakes will likely continue to rise with today's forecasted rainfall and the flows on the Otonabee River will potentially increase. 

Rice Lake and the Lower Trent

Rice Lake water level is decreasing. Flows on the Lower Trent River are slowly decreasing as the Crowe River has peaked and receding.

Severn River

Lake Simcoe water levels are above average, above rule curve and remain stable. Lake Simcoe outflows are maximized as Black River flows continue to decline. Flows on the Severn River are stable and are likely to increase depending on the received amount of rainfall.

May 3, 2018

Weather

The five day forecast suggests 15 mm of rainfall. Continued warm temperatures should see the last of the snow gone this week in the northern areas. 

Outlook

Flows from the north are currently cresting. Flow rates will still remain high; the impact of the forecasted rain will see the flows increase once again. Water levels in general are expected to continue to increase on all lakes across the Trent Severn Waterway.

The Trent Severn Water Management team will be actively monitoring the changing conditions. Any watershed condition updates will be released by your Conservation Authority or local Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources district.

Ice on Shorelines

The temperature variations around the freezing mark makes ice weak along the shoreline which is then easily broken and moved by windy conditions. The 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 not overly high. With the warmer temperatures persisting into next week ice out should continue. 

Haliburton and Northern Areas

With the substantial reduction in the snowpack in the northern areas and the complete depletion on the snowpack in southern areas of Gull River watershed, most lakes are declining with exception of the lakes in the north. Water levels on Burnt River Watershed and Central Lakes with the exception of Crystal Lake are decreasing. Lake levels are monitored daily and assessed in relation to estimated runoff amounts. The flows on Gull River are steady. Burnt flows remain above average and are decreasing. Forecasted rainfall will either level or cause the flows to increase again. 

Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River

Most of the Kawartha Lakes are above full. Levels will continue to rise with the sustained inflows from the northern areas. Flows on the Otonabee River are above average for this time of year and will be relatively constant today. 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 declining. Water levels and flows in this area will be sustained due to the flows from the Otonabee and Crowe Rivers. 

Severn River

Lake Simcoe water levels are above average, above rule curve and appear to be leveling off. The Black River has crested and is now beginning to decline more rapidly. Sparrow Lake and Six Mile Lakes levels continue to decline. Outflows from Lake Simcoe will be increased today in order to maximise the storage available for the upcoming rain. The increase in outflow is not anticipated to increase the flow on the Severn through the current high water areas. The Severn River flows below the Black River junction are anticipated to either level off or continue to decline today as local inflows decrease. 

May 2, 2018

Weather

The five day forecast suggests 25 mm of rainfall starting tonight. Continued warm temperatures should see the last of the snow gone this week.

Outlook

Flows from the north are currently cresting or decreasing.  Flow rates will still remain high; the impact of the forecasted rain will see the flows increase once again.  Water levels in general are expected to continue to increase on all lakes across the Trent Severn Waterway. 

The Trent Severn Water Management team will be actively monitoring the changing conditions. Any watershed condition updates will be released by your Conservation Authority or local Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources district.

Ice on Shorelines

The temperature variations around the freezing mark makes ice weak along the shoreline which is then easily broken and moved by windy conditions. The 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 not overly high. With the warmer temperatures persisting into next week ice out should continue. 

Haliburton and Northern Areas

With the substantial reduction in the snowpack in the northern areas and the complete depletion on the snowpack in southern areas of Gull River watershed, most lakes are declining with exception of the lakes in the north. Water levels on Burnt River Watershed and Central Lakes with the exception of Crystal Lake are decreasing.  Lake levels are monitored daily and assessed in relation to estimated runoff amounts. The flows on Gull River are steady.  Burnt flows remain above average and are decreasing. Forecasted rainfall will either level or cause the flows to increase again. 

Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River

Most of the Kawartha Lakes are above full.  Levels will continue to rise with the sustained inflows from the northern areas.  Flows on the Otonabee River are above average for this time of year and will be relatively constant today. 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 declining. Water levels and flows in this area will be sustained due to the flows from the Otonabee and Crowe Rivers. 

Severn River

Lake Simcoe water levels are above average, above rule curve and appear to be leveling off. The Black River has crested and is now beginning to decline more rapidly.  Sparrow Lake and Six Mile Lakes have now peaked and are beginning to recede.  Outflows from Lake Simcoe will be increased today in order to maximise the storage available for the upcoming rain.  The increase in outflow is not anticipated to increase the flow on the Severn through the current high water areas.  The Severn River flows below the Black River junction are anticipated to either level off or continue to decline today as local inflows decrease.  

May 1, 2018

Weather

The five day forecast suggests 30 mm of rainfall with the bulk coming mid-week. Continued warm temperatures should see the last of the snow gone this week.

Outlook

Flows from the north are currently cresting or decreasing. Flow rates will still remain high; the impact of the forecasted rain will see the flows increase once again. Water levels in general are expected to continue to increase on all lakes across the Trent Severn Waterway. 

The Trent Severn Water Management team will be actively monitoring the changing conditions. Any watershed condition updates will be released by your Conservation Authority or local Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources district.

Ice on Shorelines

The temperature variations around the freezing mark makes ice weak along the shoreline which is then easily broken and moved by windy conditions. The 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 not overly high. With the warmer temperatures persisting into next week ice out should continue. 

Haliburton and Northern Areas

With the substantial reduction in the snowpack in the northern areas and the complete depletion on the snowpack in southern areas of Gull River watershed, most lakes are declining with exception of the lakes in the north. Water levels on Burnt River Watershed and Central Lakes with the exception of Eels and Crystal Lakes are decreasing. Lake levels are monitored daily and assessed in relation to estimated runoff amounts. The flows on Gull River are steady. Burnt flows remain above average and are decreasing. Forecasted rainfall will either level or cause the flows to increase again. 

Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River

Most of the Kawartha Lakes are above full. Levels will continue to rise with the sustained inflows from the northern areas. Flows on the Otonabee River are above average for this time of year and will be relatively constant today. Increases in flow are anticipated based on the still high inflows from northern areas and the forecasted rainfall.

Rice Lake and the Lower Trent

Water levels and flows in this area will be sustained due to the flows from the Otonabee and Crowe Rivers. 

Severn River

Lake Simcoe water levels are above average, above rule curve and appear to be leveling off. The Severn River flows appear to be stable due to the earlier flow reductions from Lake Simcoe. The Black River near Washago is receding. Local inflows in the Sparrow Lake watershed are declining. The forecasted rainfall suggests that continued high flows will be sustained on the Severn River. 

April 30, 2018

Weather

The five day forecast suggests 30 mm of rainfall with the bulk coming mid-week. Continued warm temperatures should see the last of the snow gone this week. 

Outlook

Flows from the north are currently cresting or decreasing. Flow rates will still remain high; the impact of the forecasted rain will see the flows increase once again. Water levels in general are expected to continue to increase on all lakes across the Trent Severn Waterway. 

The Trent Severn Water Management team will be actively monitoring the changing conditions. Any watershed condition updates will be released by your Conservation Authority or local Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources district.

Ice on Shorelines

The temperature variations around the freezing mark makes ice weak along the shoreline which is then easily broken and moved by windy conditions. The 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 not overly high. With the warmer temperatures persisting into next week ice out should continue. 

Haliburton and Northern Areas

With the substantial reduction in the snowpack in the northern areas and the depletion on the snowpack in southern areas of Gull River watershed, most lakes are increasing at a lower rate and/or levelling off. Water levels on Burnt River Watershed and Central Lakes with the exception of Eels and Crystal Lakes are decreasing. Lake levels are monitored daily and assessed in relation to estimated runoff amounts. The flows on Gull River are steady. Burnt flows remain above average and are decreasing. Forecasted rainfall will either level or cause the flows to increase again. 

Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River

Levels on the Kawarthas Lakes are near full or just above full. Levels will continue to rise with the high inflows from the northern areas. Flows on the Otonabee River are above average for this time of year and will be relatively constant today. Increases in flow are anticipated based on the still high inflows from northern areas and the forecasted rainfall. 

Rice Lake and the Lower Trent

Water levels and flows in this area will be sustained due to the flows from the Otonabee and Crowe Rivers. 

Severn River

Lake Simcoe water levels are above average, above rule curve and appear to be leveling off. The Severn River flows appear to be stable due to the earlier flow reductions from Lake Simcoe. The Black River near Washago appears to be cresting; the Black River above Vankoughnett is declining. Local inflows in the Sparrow Lake watershed are declining. The forecasted rainfall suggests that continued high flows will be sustained on the Severn River.  

April 29, 2018

Weather

The five day forecast suggests 20 to 35 mm of rainfall with the bulk coming mid-week. Continued warm temperatures should see the last of the snow gone this week.

Outlook

Flows from the north are currently cresting or decreasing.  Flow rates will still remain high; the impact of the forecasted rain will see the flows increase once again.  Water levels in general are expected to continue to increase on all lakes across the Trent Severn Waterway. 

The Trent Severn Water Management team will be actively monitoring the changing conditions. Any watershed condition updates will be released by your Conservation Authority or local Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources district.

Ice on Shorelines

The temperature variations around the freezing mark makes ice weak along the shoreline which is then easily broken and moved by windy conditions. The 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 not overly high. With the warmer temperatures persisting into next week ice out should continue. 

Haliburton and Northern Areas

Gull River watersheds lakes for the most part continue to increase at a significant rate.  Water levels on Burnt River Watershed and Central Lakes with the exception of Eels and Crystal lake are tending to level off.  Lake levels are monitored daily and assessed in relation to estimated runoff amounts. The flows on Gull River and Burnt are remain above average due to the recent rain on snow event. Flows on the Burnt River are peaking.  The forecasted rainfall will either level or cause the flows to increase again.  

Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River

Levels on the Kawarthas will continue to rise with the high inflows from the northern areas.  Flows on the Otonabee River are above average for this time of year and will be relatively constant today. Increases in flow are anticipated based on the still high inflows from northern areas and the forecasted rainfall.

Rice Lake and the Lower Trent

Water levels and flows will continue to increase in this area due to the flows from the Otonabee and Crowe Rivers.  

Severn River

Lake Simcoe water levels are above average, above rule curve and appear to be leveling off. The Severn River flows appear to be stable due to the flow reductions from Lake Simcoe.  The Black River near Washago appears to be cresting; the Black River above Vankoughnett is declining.  The forecasted rainfall suggests that continued high flows will be sustained on the Severn River.  

April 28, 2018

Weather

The five day forecast suggests 5 mm of rainfall with no large amount on any given day. Evening temperatures are expected to drop below zero over night during the weekend in the Haliburton area. Outside the 5-day window the current forecast is showing a potential significant event with rainfall totals from 35 to 50 mm in the northern parts of the watershed. 

Outlook

The increases in flows in the northern areas appear to be reaching a crest. With snow still on the ground the flows will remain near current rates and are not expected to decrease rapidly. Water levels are expected to continue to increase on all lakes across the Trent Severn Waterway. 

The Trent Severn Water Management team will be actively monitoring the changing conditions. Any watershed condition updates will be released by your Conservation Authority or local Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources district.

Ice on Shorelines

The temperature variations around the freezing mark makes ice weak along the shoreline which is then easily broken and moved by windy conditions. The 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 not overly high. With the warmer temperatures persisting into next week ice out should continue. 

Haliburton and Northern Areas

With the recent rain on snow event water levels and flows are rising rapidly in northern areas. Most lakes on the Gull River system remain below average but are rising quickly. Several lakes on the Burnt and Central areas are approaching full or over full conditions. Lake levels are monitored daily and assessed in relation to estimated runoff amounts. The flows on Gull River and Burnt are remain above average due to the recent rain on snow event. Flows are on both rivers are anticipated to increase. 

Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River

Levels on the Kawarthas will continue to rise with the high inflows from the northern areas. Flows on the Otonabee River are above average for this time of year and will continue to increase. Water levels are expected to increase from lower Youngs Point down to Rice Lake.

Lake Scugog appears to be levelling off.

Rice Lake and the Lower Trent

Water levels on Rice Lake and the Lower Trent are anticipated to increase due to increased inflows from local creeks, the Otonabee River and the recent rainfall.  

Severn River

Lake Simcoe water levels are above average, above rule curve and increasing. Continued flow reductions are plannned from Lake Simcoe in order to provide relief to the Severn River. Black River flows are up a small amount from yesterday. The Black River above Vankoughnett has peaked and it is likely that the Black River at Washago will likely peak today. Water levels are expected today increase everywhere on the Severn River. Lake Simcoe will continue to rise.  

April 27, 2018

Weather

The five day forecast suggests 5 to 10 mm of rainfall with no large amount on any given day. Evening temperatures are expected to drop below zero over the weekend in the Haliburton area. 

Outlook

Flows and water levels are expected to increase at all locations for the rest of the week as the impacts of the rain and melting snow work their way through the system.

The Trent Severn Water Management team will be actively monitoring the changing conditions. Any watershed condition updates will be released by your Conservation Authority or local Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources district.

Ice on Shorelines

The temperature variations around the freezing mark makes ice weak along the shoreline which is then easily broken and moved by windy conditions. The 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 not overly high. With the warmer temperatures persisting into next week ice out should continue. 

Haliburton and Northern Areas

With the recent rain on snow event water levels and flows are rising rapidly in northern areas. Most lakes on the Gull River system remain below but are rising quickly. The lakes for the remainders are either above or close to average. Lake levels are monitored daily and assessed in relation to estimated runoff amounts. The flows on Gull River and Burnt are remain above average due to the recent rain on snow event. Flows are on both rivers are anticipated to increase. 

Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River

With the exception of Stony Lake and Lake Scugog the Kawartha Lakes are below average. Levels on the Kawarthas will rise quickly due to higher inflows and the recent rainfall. Flows on the Otonabee River are above average for this time of year and will continue to increase. Water levels are expected to increase from lower Youngs Point down to Rice Lake. 

Lake Scugog remains high but appears to have peaked.

Rice Lake and the Lower Trent

Water levels on Rice Lake and the Lower Trent are anticipated to increase due to increased inflows from local creeks, the Otonabee River and the recent rainfall. 

Severn River

Lake Simcoe water levels are above average, above rule curve and increasing. Flows are being reduced from Lake Simcoe in order to provide relief to the Severn River. Black River flows continue to increase. Water levels and flows are expected to increase everywhere on the Severn River. Lake Simcoe will continue to rise. 

April 26, 2018

Weather

The five day forecast suggests 5 mm. Air temperatures are forecasted stay above  0°C across the entire Trent and Severn Watersheds.

Outlook

Rainfall amounts yesterday varied from 10 to 30 mm with the highest amounts being recorded in the Black River watershed. Flows and water levels are expected to increase at all locations for the rest of the week as the impacts of the rain and melting snow work their way through the system. 

The Trent Severn Water Management team will be actively monitoring the changing conditions. Any watershed condition updates will be released by your Conservation Authority or local Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources district.

Ice on Shorelines

The temperature variations around the freezing mark makes ice weak along the shoreline which is then easily broken and moved by windy conditions. The 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 not overly high. With the warmer temperatures persisting into next week ice out should continue.

Haliburton and Northern Areas

With the recent rain on snow event water levels and flows are rising rapidly in northern areas. Most lakes still remain below average for this time of year but significant increases are anticipated. Lake levels are monitored daily and assessed in relation to estimated runoff amounts. The flows on Gull River and Burnt are now above average due to yesterday’s event. Flows are on both rivers are anticipated to increase.

Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River

With the exception of Stony Lake and Lake Scugog the Kawartha Lakes are below average. Levels on the Kawarthas will rise quickly due to higher inflows and yesterday’s rainfall. Flows on the Otonabee River are above average for this time of year and will continue to increase. Water levels are expected to increase from lower Youngs Point down to Rice Lake.
Lake Scugog remains high and continues to increase due to yesterday’s rainfall. 

Rice Lake and the Lower Trent

Water levels on Rice Lake and the Lower Trent are anticipated to increase due to increased inflows from local creeks, the Otonabee River and yesterdays’ rainfall.

Severn River

Lake Simcoe water levels are above average, above rule curve and increasing. Lake Simcoe outflows are maximized. Black River flows are responding to the yesterday’s rainfall and are increasing. Water levels and flows are expected to increase everywhere on the Severn River system including Lake Simcoe.

April 25, 2018

Weather

The 5 day forecast suggests 10-15 mm of rainfall with most of the precipitation falling mainly on Wednesday and Thursday. Air temperatures are forecasted to be near double digits; night temperatures will tend to stay above 0°C across the entire Trent and Severn Watersheds.

Outlook

The 24 hour precipitation totals are on average 5 mm. The current forecast indicates that water levels and outflows will continue to increase at most locations.

The Trent Severn Water Management team will be actively monitoring the changing conditions. Any watershed condition updates will be released by your Conservation Authority or local Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources district.

Ice on Shorelines

The temperature variations around the freezing mark makes ice weak along the shoreline which is then easily broken and moved by windy conditions. The 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 not overly high.  With the warmer temperatures persisting into next week ice out should start to begin.  

Haliburton and Northern Areas

Most reservoirs have water levels below average for this time of year due to the delayed snow melt. The snow pack is present and diminishing. Lake levels are monitored daily and assessed in relation to estimated runoff amounts.  The levels and flows are subject to an increase driven by the amount of remaining snow and forecasted rainfall. The flows on Gull River and Burnt River are on average for this time of the year but steadily increasing due to ongoing snow melt.  

Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River

With the exception of Scugog, Stony and Lower Buckhorn Lakes, the Kawartha Lakes are below average.  Levels on the Kawarthas will continue rise with the ongoing snow melt inputs from the Halliburtons and rainfall.  Flows on the Otonabee River are above average for this time of year and are expected to increase. Lake Scugog levels are likely to increase due to the rain. 

Rice Lake and the Lower Trent

Rice Lake water level is above average and decreasing. Flows on the Lower Trent River are above average and levelling off.  Flows and water levels are expected to increase further with the forecasted rain. 

Severn River

Lake Simcoe water levels are above average, above rule curve and increasing. Lake Simcoe outflows are maximized. Black River flows are above average, increasing and expected to increase more with snow melt and the rainfall. Flows on the Severn River are above average and are increasing. The current forecast and high levels on Simcoe suggests that Severn River flows will continue to increase throughout the event.  Operations for Lake St. John in preparation for increased flows on the Black River are complete.

April 24, 2018

Weather

The 5 day forecast suggests 25-35 mm of rainfall with most of the precipitation falling mainly on Wednesday and Thursday. Air temperatures are forecasted to be near double digits; night temperatures will tend to stay above 0°C across the entire Trent and Severn Watersheds.

Outlook

Flows remain high after the recent event that amounted to close to 100 mm of mixed precipitation and solid accumulation across the TSW watersheds. The current forecast indicates that water levels and outflows will continue to increase at most locations. The increases in levels could be very rapid depending on the amount of snow remaining before the rain comes mid-week.

The Trent Severn Water Management team will be actively monitoring the changing conditions. Any watershed condition updates will be released by your Conservation Authority or local Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources district.

Ice on Shorelines

The temperature variations around the freezing mark makes ice weak along the shoreline which is then easily broken and moved by windy conditions. The 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 not overly high. With the warmer temperatures persisting into next week ice out should start to begin. 

Haliburton and Northern Areas

Most reservoirs have water levels below average for this time of year due to the delayed snow melt. The snow pack is present and diminishing. Lake levels are monitored daily and assessed in relation to estimated runoff amounts. The levels and flows are subject to an increase driven by the amount of remaining snow and forecasted rainfall. The flows on Gull River and Burnt River are on average for this time of the year but steadily increasing due to ongoing snow melt. 

Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River

With the exception of Scugog, Stony and Lower Buckhorn Lakes, the Kawartha Lakes are below average. Levels on the Kawarthas will continue rise with the ongoing snow melt and forecasted rainfall. Flows on the Otonabee River are above average for this time of year and are expected to increase. Lake Scugog levels are likely to increase due to the forecasted rain. 

Rice Lake and the Lower Trent

Rice Lake water level is above average and decreasing. Flows on the Lower Trent River are above average and levelling off. Flows and water levels are expected to increase further with the forecasted rain. 

Severn River

Lake Simcoe water levels are above average, above rule curve and levelling off. Lake Simcoe outflows are maximized. Black River flows are above average, increasing and expected to increase more with snow melt and the forecasted rainfall. Flows on the Severn River are above average and are increasing. The current forecast and high levels on Simcoe suggests that Severn River flows will continue to increase throughout the event. Operations for Lake St. John in preparation for increased flows on the Black River are complete. 

April 23, 2018

Weather

The 5 day forecast suggests 40 mm of rainfall with most of the precipitation falling mainly on Wednesday and Thursday. Air temperatures are forecasted to be near double digits; night temperatures will tend to stay above  0°C across the entire Trent and Severn Watersheds.

Outlook

Flows remain high after the recent event that amounted to close to 100 mm of mixed precipitation and solid accumulation across the TSW watersheds. The current forecast indicates that water levels and outflows will continue to increase at most locations. The increases in levels could be very rapid depending on the amount of snow remaining before the rain comes mid-week. 

The Trent Severn Water Management team will be actively monitoring the changing conditions. Any watershed condition updates will be released by your Conservation Authority or local Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources district.

Ice on Shorelines

The temperature variations around the freezing mark makes ice weak along the shoreline which is then easily broken and moved by windy conditions. The 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 not overly high. With the warmer temperatures persisting into next week ice out should start to begin. 

Haliburton and Northern Areas

Most reservoirs have water levels below average for this time of year due to the delayed snow melt. The snow pack is higher than average for this time of year. Lake levels are monitored daily and assessed in relation to estimated runoff amounts. The levels and flows are subject to a rapid rate of increase driven by the amount of remaining snow and forecasted rainfall. The flows on Gull River are about average and Burnt River are below the average for this time of the year but steadily increasing due to ongoing snow melt. 

Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River

With the exception of Scugog, Stony and Lower Buckhorn Lakes, the Kawartha Lakes are below average. Levels on the Kawarthas will continue rise with the ongoing snow melt and forecasted rainfall. Flows on the Otonabee River are above average for this time of year and are expected to increase. Lake Scugog levels are likely to increase due to the ongoing melt runoff and forecasted rain. 

Rice Lake and the Lower Trent

Rice Lake water level is above average and decreasing. Flows on the Lower Trent River are above average and increasing. Flows and water levels are expected to increase further in this area as higher flows move down from the Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River. 

Severn River

Lake Simcoe water levels are above average, above rule curve and increasing. Lake Simcoe outflows are maximized. Black River flows are about average and expected to increase with snow melt and the forecasted rainfall. Flows on the Severn River are above average and are increasing. The current forecast and high levels on Simcoe suggests that Severn River flows will continue to increase throughout the event. Operations for Lake St. John in preparation for increased flows on the Black River are complete. 

April 20, 2018

Weather

The 5 day forecast suggests less than 5 mm of rainfall. Air temperatures are forecasted to rise across the weekend and into next week where the daily high will be in the double digits; as the week progress evening lows will tend to stay above 0°C across the entire Trent and Severn Watersheds.

Outlook

The recent event amounted to close to 100 mm of mixed precipitation and solid accumulation across the TSW watersheds resulting in increased flows and water levels at most locations. The current forecast indicates that water levels and outflows will continue to increase at most locations.

The Trent Severn Water Management team will be actively monitoring the changing conditions. Any watershed condition updates will be released by your Conservation Authority or local Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources district.

Ice on Shorelines

The temperature variations around the freezing mark makes ice weak along the shoreline which is then easily broken and moved by windy conditions. The 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 suggests that these conditions are probable if the winds are high. 

Haliburton and Northern Areas

Most reservoirs have water levels below average for this time of year. This is to be expected due to the late timing of the snow melt. The snow pack is higher than average for this time of year. Lake levels are monitored daily and assessed in relation to estimated runoff amounts, however they are susceptible to changes in response to the future precipitation amounts. The flows on Gull River are about average and Burnt River are below the average for this time of the year. 

Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River

With the exception of Lower Buckhorn Lake,  Stony Lake and Lake Scugog the Kawartha Lakes are below average, levelling off or increasing. The levels on all the Kawarthas are expected to increase with the coming snow melt. Flows on the Otonabee River are above average for this time of year and are levelling off for today but are expected to increase with the snow melt.

Rice Lake and the Lower Trent

Rice Lake water level is above average and increasing. Flows on the Lower Trent River are above average and increasing.

Severn River

Lake Simcoe water levels are above average, above rule curve and increasing. Lake Simcoe outflows are maximized. Black River flows are below average. Flows on the Severn River are above average and are increasing. Operations for Lake St. John in preparation for increased flows on the Black River are complete.

April 19, 2018

Weather

The 5 day forecast suggests no precipitation. Air temperatures are forecasted to rise towards the end of the week with above 0°C at night in northern areas

Outlook

The recent event amounted to close to 100 mm of mixed precipitation and solid accumulation across the TSW watersheds resulting in increased flows and water levels at most locations. The current forecast indicates that water levels and outflows will continue to increase at most locations.

The Trent Severn Water Management team will be actively monitoring the changing conditions. Any watershed condition updates will be released by your Conservation Authority or local Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources district.

Ice on Shorelines

The temperature variations around the freezing mark makes ice weak along the shoreline which is then easily broken and moved by windy conditions. The 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 suggests that these conditions are probable if the winds are high. 

Haliburton and Northern Areas

The Halliburton’s reservoirs are below average and lake levels, increasing or levelling off. The snowpack increased as a result of the recent lower than normal seasonal temperatures and solid precipitation events. Lake levels are monitored daily and assessed in relation to estimated runoff amounts, however they are susceptible to changes in response to the future precipitation amounts. The flows on Gull River are on average and Burnt River are below the average for this time of the year.

Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River

The Kawartha Lakes are below average, levelling off or increasing. Scugog Lake levels are above average for this time of the year and increasing. Lower Buckhorn Lake levels are above average and levelling off. Flows on the Otonabee River are above average for this time of year and are increasing.

Rice Lake and the Lower Trent

Rice Lake water level is above average and increasing. Flows on the Lower Trent River are above average and increasing. 

Severn River

Lake Simcoe water levels are above average, above rule curve and increasing. Lake Simcoe outflows are maximized. Black River flows are below average. Flows on the Severn River are above average and are increasing. Operations for Lake St. John in preparation for increased flows on the Black River are complete. 

April 18, 2018

Weather

The 5 day forecast suggests low amounts of precipitation. Air temperatures are forecasted to rise towards the end of the week with above  0°C at night in northern areas

Outlook

The recent event amounted to close to 100 mm of mixed precipitation and solid accumulation across the TSW watersheds resulting in increased flows and water levels at most locations. The current forecast indicates that water levels and outflows will continue to increase at most locations.

The Trent Severn Water Management team will be actively monitoring the changing conditions. Any watershed condition updates will be released by your Conservation Authority or local Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources district.

Ice on Shorelines

The temperature variations around the freezing mark makes ice weak along the shoreline which is then easily broken and moved by windy conditions. The 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 suggests that these conditions are probable if the winds are high.  

Haliburton and Northern Areas

The Halliburton’s reservoirs are below average and lake levels, increasing or levelling off. The snowpack increased as a result of the recent lower than normal seasonal temperatures and solid precipitation events. Lake levels are monitored daily and assessed in relation to estimated runoff amounts, however they are susceptible to changes in response to the future precipitation amounts. The flows on Gull River are on average and Burnt River are below the average for this time of the year.

Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River

The Kawartha Lakes are below average, levelling off or increasing. Lower Buckhorn Lake and Scugog Lake levels are above average for this time of the year and increasing.  Flows on the Otonabee River are above average for this time of year and are increasing.

Rice Lake and the Lower Trent

Rice Lake water level is above average and increasing. Flows on the Lower Trent River are above average and increasing.

Severn River

Lake Simcoe water levels are above average, above rule curve and increasing. Lake Simcoe outflows are maximized. Black River flows are below average and increasing. Flows on the Severn River are above average and are increasing. Operations for Lake St. John in preparation for increased flows on the Black River are complete.

April 17, 2018

Weather

The 7 day forecast suggests small amounts of precipitation reaching 5 mm of rain. Air temperatures are forecasted to rise towards the end of the week with above 0°C at night in northern areas

Outlook

The recent event amounted to close to 100 mm of mixed precipitation and solid accumulation across the TSW watersheds resulting in increased flows and water levels at most locations. The current forecast indicates that water levels and outflows will continue to increase at most locations.

The Trent Severn Water Management team will be actively monitoring the changing conditions. Any watershed condition updates will be released by your Conservation Authority or local Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources district.

Ice on Shorelines

The temperature variations around the freezing mark makes ice weak along the shoreline which is then easily broken and moved by windy conditions. The 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 suggests that these conditions are probable if the winds are high. 

Haliburton and Northern Areas

The Halliburton’s reservoirs are below average and lake levels are increasing. The snowpack increased as a result of the recent lower than normal seasonal temperatures and solid precipitation events. Lake levels are monitored daily and assessed in relation to estimated runoff amounts, however they are susceptible to changes in response to the future precipitation amounts. The flows on Gull River ate on average and Burnt River are below the average for this time of the year. 

Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River

The Kawartha Lakes are below average, levelling off or increasing. Lower Buckhorn Lake and Scugog Lake levels are above average for this time of the year and increasing. Flows on the Otonabee River are above average for this time of year and are increasing.

Rice Lake and the Lower Trent

Rice Lake water level is above average and increasing. Flows on the Lower Trent River are above average and increasing. 

Severn River

Lake Simcoe water levels are above average, above rule curve and increasing. Lake Simcoe outflows are maximized. Flows on the Severn River are on the average and are increasing. Operations for Lake St. John in preparation for increased flows on the Black River are complete. 

April 16, 2018

Weather

The 2 day forecast suggests additional amounts of precipitation reaching 25 mm of rain. Air temperatures are forecasted to rise towards the end of the week with above 0°C at night in northern areas

Outlook

The recent precipitation event amounted to 80 mm with some solid accumulation across the TSW watersheds resulting in increased flows and water levels at most locations. The current forecast indicates that water levels and outflows will continue to increase at most locations. 

The Trent Severn Water Management team will be actively monitoring the changing conditions. Any watershed condition updates will be released by your Conservation Authority or local Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources district.

Ice on Shorelines

The temperature variations around the freezing mark makes ice weak along the shoreline which is then easily broken and moved by windy conditions. The 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 suggests that these conditions are probable if the winds are high.  

Haliburton and Northern Areas

The Halliburton’s reservoirs are below average and lake levels are increasing. The snowpack increased as a result of the recent lower than normal seasonal temperatures and solid precipitation events. Lake levels are monitored daily and assessed in relation to estimated runoff amounts, however they are susceptible to changes in response to the future precipitation amounts. The flows on Gull and Burnt Rivers are below the average for this time of the year.

Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River

The Kawartha Lakes are all below average, levelling off or increasing. Scugog Lake levels are on average for this time of the year and increasing.  Flows on the Otonabee River are above average for this time of year and are increasing.

Rice Lake and the Lower Trent

Rice Lake water level is below average and increasing. Flows on the Lower Trent River are above average and increasing.

Severn River

Lake Simcoe water levels are above average and above rule curve. Lake Simcoe outflows are maximized. Flows on the Severn River are on the average and are increasing. Operations for Lake St. John in preparation for increased flows on the Black River are complete.

April 13, 2018

Weather

The 5 day forecast suggests significant amounts of precipitation reaching 100 mm of rain and with mixed precipitation and below 0°C at night in northern areas

Outlook

The recent rain amounted to an average of 10 mm of precipitation across the TSW watersheds resulting in increased flows and water levels at most locations. The current forecast indicates that water levels and outflows will continue to increase at most locations. 

The Trent Severn Water Management team will be actively monitoring the changing conditions. Any watershed condition updates will be released by your Conservation Authority or local Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources district.

Ice on Shorelines

The temperature variations around the freezing mark makes ice weak along the shoreline which is then easily broken and moved by windy conditions. The 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 suggests that these conditions are probable if the winds are high. 

Haliburton and Northern Areas

The Halliburton’s reservoirs are below average. The snowpack remains as a result of the recent lower than normal seasonal temperatures and solid precipitation events. Lake levels are monitored daily and assessed in relation to estimated runoff amounts, however they are susceptible to changes in response to the future precipitation amounts. The flows on Gull and Burnt Rivers are below the average for this time of the year.

Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River

The Kawartha Lakes are all below average and declining. Flows on the Otonabee River are on average for this time of year and are increasing.

Rice Lake and the Lower Trent

Rice Lake water level is below average and increasing. Flows on the Lower Trent River are below average and increasing. 

Severn River

Lake Simcoe water levels are on average and below rule curve. Lake Simcoe outflows are maximized. Flows on the Severn River are close to the average and are increasing. Operations for Lake St. John in preparation for increased flows on the Black River are complete. 

April 12, 2018

Weather

The 7 day forecast suggests significant amounts of precipitation reaching 90 mm of rain and with mixed precipitation and below 0°C at night in northern areas

Outlook

The recent snow and rain amounted to an average of 25 mm of precipitation across the TSW watersheds resulting in increased flows and water levels at most locations. The current forecast indicates that water levels and outflows will continue to increase at most locations. 

The Trent Severn Water Management team will be actively monitoring the changing conditions. Any watershed condition updates will be released by your Conservation Authority or local Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources district.

Ice on Shorelines

The temperature variations around the freezing mark makes ice weak along the shoreline which is then easily broken and moved by windy conditions. The 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 suggests that these conditions are probable if the winds are high. 

Haliburton and Northern Areas

The Halliburton’s reservoirs are below average. The snowpack remains as a result of the recent lower than normal seasonal temperatures and solid precipitation events. Lake levels are monitored daily and assessed in relation to estimated runoff amounts, however they are susceptible to changes in response to the future precipitation amounts. The flows on Gull and Burnt Rivers are below the average for this time of the year.

Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River

The Kawartha Lakes are about average with the exception of Buckhorn and Stony Lake which are below average; lakes are levelling or beginning to decline. Flows on the Otonabee River are below the average for this time of year and are increasing.

Rice Lake and the Lower Trent

Rice Lake water level is below average and declining. Flows on the Lower Trent River are below average and increasing.

Severn River

Lake Simcoe water levels are on average and below rule curve. Lake Simcoe outflows are maximized. Flows on the Severn River are below the average and are increasing. Operations for Lake St. John in preparation for increased flows on the Black River are complete.

April 9, 2018

Weather

The 7 day forecast suggests various amounts of precipitation ranging from 25 to 60 mm of rain and air temperatures close to 0°C at night in northern areas

Outlook

The recent snow and rain amounted to an average of 25 mm of precipitation across the TSW watersheds resulting in increased flows and water levels at most locations. The current forecast indicates that water levels and outflows will continue to increase at most locations.

The Trent Severn Water Management team will be actively monitoring the changing conditions. Any watershed condition updates will be released by your Conservation Authority or local Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources district.

Ice on Shorelines

The temperature variations around the freezing mark makes ice weak along the shoreline which is then easily broken and moved by windy conditions. The 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 suggests that these conditions are probable if the winds are high.

Haliburton and Northern Areas 

The Halliburton’s reservoirs are below average and are levelling off. Due to the remaining snowpack and below normal precipitation in the month of March and the early part of April, the outflows are reduced from the reservoirs based on the projected snowmelt runoff. The flows on Gull and Burnt Rivers are below the average for this time of the year.

Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River

The Kawartha Lakes are about average with the exception of Buckhorn and Stony Lake which are below average; lakes are levelling or beginning to decline. Flows on the Otonabee River are below the average for this time of year and are increasing.

Rice Lake and the Lower Trent

Rice Lake water level is close to average and declining. Flows on the Lower Trent River are below average and increasing.

Severn River

Lake Simcoe water levels are on average and below rule curve. Lake Simcoe outflows are reduced. Flows on the Severn River are below the average and are levelling off. Operations for Lake St. John in preparation for increased flows on Black River are complete.

April 3, 2018

Weather

The total amounts of precipitation in March have been less than normal resulting in lower than average snow pack for this time of the year. The 7 day forecast suggests various amounts of precipitation ranging from 14 to 23 mm of rain and temperatures below 0°C at night in northern areas

Outlook

The current conditions indicate that water levels and outflows will increase at most locations.

The Trent Severn Water Management team will be 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 

The Haliburton’s reservoirs are below average and are increasing. The present snowpack is below the average for this time of year. 

Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River

The Kawartha Lakes are in general above average with the exception of Buckhorn Lake and are increasing. Flows on the Otonabee River are lower than average for this time of year.‎

Rice Lake and the Lower Trent

Rice Lake water level is close to average. Flows on the Lower Trent River are below average and are increasing. 

Severn River

Lake Simcoe water levels are above average and close to the rule curve. Lake Simcoe outflows may be reduced depending on the response of the Black River. Flows on the Black River are increasing. Flows on the Severn River are close to average and are increasing. Operations for Lake St. John in preparation for increased flows on Black River are ongoing. 

March 26, 2018

Weather

The total amounts of precipitation in March have been less than normal resulting in lower than average snow pack for this time of the year. The 7 day forecast suggests various amounts of precipitation ranging from 14 to 23 mm of rain and temperatures below 0°C at night in northern areas.

Outlook

The current conditions indicate that water levels and outflows will continue to decline at most locations.

The Trent Severn Water Management team will be 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 

The Halliburton’s reservoirs are below average and are levelling off. The present snowpack is 50 percent of the average for this time of year. Due to the reduced snowpack and below normal precipitation in the month of March, ongoing water operations are reducing the outflows from the reservoirs based on the remaining projected snowmelt runoff. 

Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River

The Kawartha Lakes are below or close to average and are levelling off. Flows on the Otonabee River are below average for this time of year and declining.

Rice Lake and the Lower Trent

Rice Lake water level is close to average and levelling off. Flows on the Lower Trent River are below average and declining. 

Severn River

Lake Simcoe water levels are above average and close to the rule curve. Lake Simcoe outflows are reduced. Flows on the Severn River are close to average and are declining. 

March 19, 2018

Weather

Since late February precipitation amounts have been less than normal resulting in lower than average snow pack for this time of the year. The 14 day forecast suggest dry conditions will continue with temperatures below average and staying below 0°C overnight.

Outlook

The current conditions indicate that water levels and outflows will continue to decline at most locations.

The Trent Severn Water Management team will be 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 

The Halliburton’s reservoirs are below average and continue on a slow decline. The snowpack is present and and is about 50 percent of average. The current water management operations for filling the reservoirs have begun to reduce the outflows from the reservoirs based on the projected runoff from melting snow in the watershed and below normal precipitation in the month of March. 

Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River

The Kawartha Lakes are below or close to average and are levelling off. Flows on the Otonabee River are below average for this time of year and declining.

Rice Lake and the Lower Trent

Rice Lake water level is close to average and levelling off. Flows on the Lower Trent River are below average and declining. 

Severn River

Lake Simcoe water levels are above average but quickly approaching rule curve. Lake Simcoe outflows will be reduced. Flows on the Severn River are close to average and are declining. 

February 26, 2018

Weather

The weather forecast is predicting no significant precipitation events over the next 7 days but with positive day temperatures and below 0°C at night.

Outlook

Due to the significant total amounts of rain and localized snowmelt, water levels and outflows continue to increase. The snowpack is below average for this time of the year. The current warm temperatures indicate that the trend in water levels and outflows will be sustained. 

The Trent Severn Water Management team will be 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 on the reservoir lakes are above average and continue to increase. Flows on the Gull River and the Burnt River are above average for this time of the year. Central lakes are above their average and continue to increase. 

Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River

Kawartha Lakes are above the average water levels and continue to increase. Flows on the Otonabee River are higher than average for this time of year and increasing. 

Rice Lake and the Lower Trent

Rice Lake water level is above average and leveling off. Flows on the Lower Trent River are above average. 

Severn River

Lake Simcoe is above the long term average water level and levelling off. Lake Simcoe outflows may be reduced depending on the response of the Black River. Flows on the Black River are increasing. Flows on the Severn River are above average and are increasing. 

February 23, 2018

Weather

The weather forecast is predicting an additional 5 mm precipitation event over the next 36 hours with positive day temperatures and below 0°C at night.

Outlook

Due to the recent weather conditions, significant total amounts of rain have resulted in local snowmelt with localized impact on the watersheds. The current conditions indicate that water levels and outflows will continue to increase at most locations.

The Trent Severn Water Management team will be 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 on the reservoir lakes are close to average and continue to increase. Flows on the Gull River and the Burnt River are expected to peak soon. 

Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River

Kawartha Lakes are above the average water levels and continue to increase. Flows on the Otonabee River are higher than average for this time of year and increasing. 

Rice Lake and the Lower Trent

Rice Lake water level is above average and continues to increase. Flows on the Lower Trent River are above average and increasing. 

Severn River

Lake Simcoe is above the long term average water level and increasing. Lake Simcoe outflows may be reduced depending on the response of the Black River. Flows on the Black River are increasing and are expected to peak soon. Flows on the Severn River are above average and are increasing. 

February 22, 2018

Weather

The rainfall occurring over the past 3 days resulted in total precipitation amounts ranging from 35-40 mm. The weather forecast is predicting an additional 5 mm precipitation event over the next 36 hours with positive day temperatures and below 0°C at night.

Outlook

Due to the recent weather conditions, significant total amounts of rain have resulted in local snowmelt with localized impact on the watersheds. The current conditions indicate that water levels and outflows will continue to increase at most locations. The Trent Severn Water Management team will be 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 on the reservoir lakes are close to average and continue to increase. Flows on the Gull River and the Burnt River are expected to peak soon. 

Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River

Kawartha Lakes are close to or above the average water levels and continue to increase. Flows on the Otonabee River are higher than average for this time of year and increasing.

Rice Lake and the Lower Trent

Rice Lake water level is above average and continues to increase. Flows on the Lower Trent River are above average and increasing.

Severn River

Lake Simcoe is above the long term average water level and increasing. Lake Simcoe outflows may be reduced depending on the response of the Black River. Flows on the Black River are increasing and are expected to peak soon. Flows on the Severn River are above average and are increasing. 

February 21, 2018

Weather

The rainfall occurring over past 24 hours resulted in total precipitation amounts ranging from 25-35 mm. The weather forecast is predicting an additional 5 mm precipitation event on Wednesday with day time temperatures declining and staying below 0°C at night. Additional small of amounts of rain and snow are forecasted over the next few days. 

Outlook

Due to the recent weather conditions, significant total amounts of rain of 30-40 mm have resulted in local snowmelt with localised impact on the watersheds. The current conditions indicate that water levels and outflows will continue to increase at most locations. The Trent Severn Water Management team will be 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 on the reservoir lakes are close to average and continue to increase. Flows on the Gull River are above average and are expected to increase. Flows on the Burnt River are above average and continue to increase.

Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River

Kawartha Lakes are close to average and continue to increase. Flows on the Otonabee River are higher than average for this time of year and increasing.

Rice Lake and the Lower Trent

Rice Lake water level is above average and continues to increase. Flows on the Lower Trent River are above average and increasing.

Severn River

Lake Simcoe is above the long term average water level and increasing. Flows on the Black River and the Severn River are above average and are increasing. Lake Simcoe outflows may be reduced depending on the response of the Black River to the warmer temperatures and rainfall. Operations for Lake St. John in preparation for increased flows on Black River are complete.

February 20, 2018

Weather

The rainfall over past 24 hours resulted in total precipitation amounts ranging from 10-15 mm. The weather forecast is predicting an additional 20 to 30 mm of precipitation through Tuesday and Wednesday with day time temperatures reaching double digits and remaining above 0°C at night.

Outlook

The current forecast may result in local snowmelt and snowmelt runoff greatly impacting the watershed response. The current forecast indicates that water levels and outflows will increase at most locations. The Trent Severn Water Management team will be 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 on the lakes in general are below average and are increasing. Flows on the Gull River and on the Burnt River are above average and are expected to increase. 

Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River

Kawartha Lakes are below average and are increasing. Flows on the Otonabee River are higher than average for this time of year and increasing. 

Rice Lake and the Lower Trent

Rice Lake water level is on average and levelling off. Flows on the Lower Trent River are above average and increasing. 

Severn River

Lake Simcoe is above the long term average water level. Flows on the Black River and the Severn River are above average and expected to increase. Lake Simcoe outflows may be reduced depending on the response of the Black River to the warmer temperatures and rainfall. Current operations for Lake St. John are happening in preparation for increased flows on Black River. 

February 19, 2018

Weather

The weather forecast for early this week has been confirmed for a 50 to 60 mm precipitation event across Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday with day time temperatures reaching double digits and remaining above 0°C at night. 

Outlook

The current forecast may result in local snowmelt and snowmelt runoff greatly impacting the watershed response. The current forecast indicates that water levels and outflows will increase at most locations. The Trent Severn Water Management team will be 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 

All reservoir lakes remain at their respective winter set dam configuration. Water levels on the lakes in general are below average. Flows on the Gull River and on the Burnt River are above average are expected to increase. 

Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River

Kawartha Lakes are below average, declining and are subject to winter drawdown. Flows on the Otonabee River are higher than average for this time of year and expected to increase

Rice Lake and the Lower Trent

Rice Lake water level is on average and declining. Flows on the Lower Trent River are above average and are expected to increase.

Severn River

Lake Simcoe is above the long term average water level. Flows on the Black River and the Severn River are above average. Lake Simcoe outflows may be reduced depending on the response of the Black River to the warmer temperatures and rainfall. Current operations for Lake St. John are happening in preparation for increased flows on Black River. 

February 16, 2018

Weather

The weather forecast for early next week is changing significantly from day to day. A 30 to 45 mm precipitation event is forecasted across Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday with day time temperatures reaching double digits and remaining above 0 C at night..

Outlook

Depending on the amounts of rain across the areas local snow melt and snow melt runoff will occur greatly impacting the watershed response. The current forecast that water levels and outflows will increase at most locations. Trent Severn Water Management team will be active and the changing conditions will be closely monitored. Any watershed conditions updates will be released by your Conservation Authority or local Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources district. 

Haliburton and Northern Areas 

All reservoir lakes remain at their respective winter set dam configuration. Water levels on the lakes in general are below average. Flows on the Gull River and on the Burnt River are above average. 

Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River

Kawartha Lakes are below average, declining and are subject to winter drawdown. Flows on the Otonabee River are higher than average for this time of year. 

Rice Lake and the Lower Trent

Rice Lake water level is on average and is leveling off. Flows on the Lower Trent River are above average .

Severn River

Lake Simcoe is above the long term average water level. Flows on the Black River and the Severn River are above average. Outflows from Lake Simcoe are high and will remain so over the weekend. Lake Simcoe Outflows may be reduced depending on the response of the Black River to the warmer temperatures and rainfall. Operations for Lake St. John will also be determined based on the reaction of the Black River. 

January 19, 2018

Weather

The weather forecast for early next week is changing significantly from day to day. A 15 to 20 mm precipitation event is forecasted across Monday and Tuesday; it is unclear at this time with the changing forecast if the precipitation will be rain or snow.

Outlook

Depending if the event happens as rain or snow will greatly impact the watershed response. If it comes as rain, lake levels and flows will increase; if it comes as snow it is likely that lake levels and flows will stabilise and begin to decrease. Trent Severn Water Management team will be active and the changing conditions will be closely monitored. 
Any watershed conditions updates will be released by your Conservation Authority or local Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources district.  

Haliburton and Northern Areas 

All reservoir lakes remain at their respective winter set dam configuration. Water levels on the lakes in general are slightly above average and are beginning to level out. Flows on the Gull River are slightly above average, while flows on the Burnt River are above average. 

Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River

After the snow melt and rainfall of last week most of the Kawartha Lakes are above average; water levels on the Kawartha Lakes have peaked and are beginning to decline. Flows on the Otonabee River are higher than average for this time of year. 

Rice Lake and the Lower Trent

Rice Lake water level is below long term average and is levelling off. Flows on the Lower Trent River are above average and are beginning to decline. 

Severn River

Lake Simcoe is near the long term average water level. Flows on the Black River are above average. Flows on the Severn River are about average. 

January 10, 2018

Weather

Varying amounts of rainfall ranging from 20 to 40 mm are forecasted for the 11th and 12 of January.  The higher rainfall amounts are forecasted in the Haliburton and northern Black River area.

Haliburton and Northern Areas

All reservoir lakes are at their respective winter set dam configuration.  Water levels on the reservoir lakes are near the long term average.  The recent very cold weather has resulted in a gradual decline in river flows.

Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River

The Kawartha Lakes levels are in general below average and the drawdown is underway in preparation for the spring freshet.  The Otonabee River flows are below average for this time of year. 

Rice Lake and the Lower Trent

Rice Lake water level is near long term average as are flows on the Lower Trent River.  

Severn River

Lake Simcoe is tracking well to the target water level for this time of year.  Flows on the Black River have been gradually receding with the cold weather.  Flows on the Severn River are below average.  

2017
October 2, 2017

Weather

The forecasted weather for this week calls for approximately 15-20 mm of rainfall across the Trent River and Severn River watersheds. The seasonal forecast suggests about above normal temperatures and normal precipitation from October until December for the Trent-Severn Waterway.

Haliburton and Northern Areas

Winter set is achieved every year by the beginning of October to facilitate the Lake Trout spawn.

Winter set has been reached at all dams with the exception of Horseshoe, which is below winter set due to higher than normal flows for this time of year in the Gull River. The move to winter set at this location will be completed as flows decrease.

The Gull River reservoirs are now 51% full and the Burnt Reservoirs are 48% full. The Central Reservoirs are 55% full.

Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River

The Kawartha Lakes are near average levels for this time of year. The river reaches are being held at navigable levels.

Rice Lake and the Lower Trent

Rice Lake is slightly above average for this time of year and the Lower Trent is being held at navigable levels.

Severn River

Lake Simcoe water levels are near average for this time of year and the Severn River sections are being held at navigable levels. Drawdown at Lake Simcoe will continue towards target levels.

July 17, 2017

Water flows and water levels are high across the Trent-Severn Waterway - please exercise caution on the water.

Weather

Due to the significant rainfall over the past week ranging from 20–70 mm, lakes across the Trent-Severn are full or overfull. No significant rainfall is forecasted for this week. Soil conditions across the watershed are saturated. Please check the website of your local conservation authority or the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry for the most up to date watershed conditions. The long term forecast suggests thunder-showers.

Haliburton and Northern Areas

The Gull River, Burnt River and Central Lakes are full. Flows on the Gull River and Burnt river are high and will remain high. Please exercise caution when travelling on or near rivers and around dams.

Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River

The Kawartha Lakes levels are above average. The Otonabee River flow is high and will remain high. The Otonabee River is within navigable range however residents are advised to exercise caution when travelling on the river, especially near dams.

Rice Lake and the Lower Trent

Rice Lake water level is high and will remain high. Lower Trent levels and flows are high. Flows on the Trent River below Healey Falls will increase during the night in order to reduce the high water levels upstream - therefore residents are advised to exercise caution if travelling outside Parks Canada hours of operation. Please exercise caution when travelling on or near rivers and around dams.

Severn River

Lake Simcoe is high and will remain high. Flows will remain high on the Severn River. Please exercise caution when travelling on or near rivers and around dams.

Hours of Operation

June 23 to September 4

  • Monday to Thursday: 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
  • Friday to Sunday, plus August Civic Holiday and Labour Day: 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
July 10, 2017

Weather

Some rainfall forecast is expected through the week with a potential accumulation of 10-20 mm and higher in the areas of localized thunderstorm activity. Reservoir lakes are near full. Please check the website of your local conservation authority or the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry for the most up to date watershed conditions.

Haliburton and Northern Areas

Levels on the Gull, Burnt and Central Lakes remain above average. Flows on the Gull and the Burnt remain high. Please exercise caution when travelling on or near rivers and around dams.

Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River

The Kawartha Lakes levels are above average. The Otonabee River is navigable however flow is high. Caution should be exercised on or near the river and especially near dams.

Rice Lake and the Lower Trent

Water levels on Rice Lake and the Lower Trent are above average. The Lower Trent is navigable however flow is high. Caution should be exercised on or near the river and especially near dams.

Severn River

Lake Simcoe is still above average and the Severn River flows remain high. Please exercise caution when travelling on or near the river and around dams.

June 29, 2017

Water flows and water levels are high across the Trent-Severn Waterway please exercise caution on the water.

Weather

Significant rainfall forecast is expected today and through the weekend with potentially 20-40 mm accumulating across the Trent-Severn Waterway. Soil conditions across the watershed are saturated and lakes are full. Please check the website of your local conservation authority or the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry for the most up to date watershed conditions.

Haliburton and Northern Areas

Levels on the Gull River, Burnt River and Central Lakes are above average and expected to increase with the forecasted rainfall. Flows on the Gull River will increase and flows on the Burnt River are expected to increase with the forecasted rain.

Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River

The Kawartha Lakes levels are above average and are expected to increase based on the amount of rain forecasted. The Otonabee River is navigable however flow is high and will remain high. Caution should be exercised on or near the river and especially near dams.

Rice Lake and the Lower Trent

Water levels on Rice Lake and the Lower Trent are high and are expected to increase with the forecasted rain. The Lower Trent is navigable however flow is high and will remain high. Caution should be exercised on or near the river and especially near dams.

Severn River

Lake Simcoe is high and with the rain forecast it is expected to increase. Black River flow is expected to increase due to the forecasted rain. Flows will remain high on the Severn River. Please exercise caution when travelling on the River and around dams.

Navigation Outside of Operation Hours

Please exercise caution when travelling on the River and around dams. Flows at Swift Rapids, along the Otonabee River and the Lower Trent will increase during the night to continue to reduce levels and flows. Residents are advised to exercise caution if travelling outside Parks Canada hours of operation.

Hours of Operation

June 23 to September 4

  • Monday to Thursday: 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
  • Friday to Sunday, plus Canada Day (Monday), August Civic Holiday and Labour Day: 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
June 23, 2017

Weather

In addition to recent rainfall and the expected rainfall today of 15-25 mm across the Trent-Severn Watershed, another 5-15 mm is forecasted for Sunday. Soil conditions across the watershed are saturated and lakes are full. Please check the website of your local conservation authority or the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry for the most up to date watershed conditions. The long-term weather forecast suggests that further rain due to thunderstorms across Trent-Severn next week.

Haliburton and Northern Areas

The Gull and Burnt Lakes are full to slightly overfull due to the recent rain. Flows on the Gull are high and are expected to remain high with the forecasted rain. The Burnt River flow is declining but with the amount of rain forecasted it is expected increase. The Central Lakes are high due the rain received overnight and will remain high based on the forecast.

Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River

The Kawartha Lakes levels are above average and are expected to increase based on the amount of rain forecasted. The Otonabee River flow is high and is expected to remain high. Operations are moving the maximum amount of water through the system to maintain navigable levels. The river is navigable however residents are advised to exercise caution when travelling.

Rice Lake and the Lower Trent

Rice Lake water level is high and is expected to increase with the forecasted rain. Lower Trent flows are elevated due to rain.

Severn River

Lake Simcoe is high and with the rain forecast it is expected to increase. The Black River flow is increasing due to recent rainfall and is expected to continue increasing with the forecasted rain. Flows are high on the Severn River. Flows at Swift Rapids will increase during the night to continue to reduce the level on Sparrow Lake therefore residents are advised to exercise caution if travelling outside Parks Canada hours of operation.

Hours of Operation

May 19 to June 22

  • Monday to Thursday: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
  • Friday to Sunday: 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

June 23 to Sept 4

  • Monday to Thursday: 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
  • Friday to Sunday, plus Canada Day, August Civic Holiday and Labour Day: 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
June 21, 2017

Weather

Significant rainfall occurred over this past weekend and into Monday in the Severn area and resulted in total precipitation over that time period of about 95 mm which increased water levels and flows on the Severn River. Comparatively average rainfall for the entire month of June in the Severn area is 85 mm. From Saturday to Monday 30-50 mm of rain fell in the Haliburton area, 10-15 mm in the Peterborough area and 10-30 mm in the Rice Lake and Trenton area. Please check the website of your local conservation authority or the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry for the most up to date watershed conditions. The weather forecast suggests that there is a risk of thunderstorms towards the end of the week across Trent-Severn.

Haliburton and Northern Areas

The Gull, Burnt and Central Lakes are full to slightly overfull due to the recent rain. Flows on the Gull have peaked and will remain at current levels. The Burnt River has peaked and is declining.

Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River

The Kawartha Lakes levels are above average. The Otonabee River flow is higher than normal and will remain high due to the recent rain.

Rice Lake and the Lower Trent

Rice Lake is above average. Lower Trent flows are elevated due to rain.

Severn River

The Black River flow has crested but water levels and flows are high on the Severn River and will remain high until water levels decrease on Lake Simcoe and Sparrow Lake. Flows at Swift Rapids will increase during the night to reduce the level on Sparrow Lake therefore residents are advised to exercise caution if travelling outside Parks Canada hours of operation.

Hours of Operation

May 19 to June 22

  • Monday to Thursday: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
  • Friday to Sunday: 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

June 23 to September 4

  • Monday to Thursday: 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
  • Friday to Sunday, plus Canada Day, August Civic Holiday and Labour Day: 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
May 18, 2017

Weather

Significant rainfall occurring over April 28 to May 6 resulted in total precipitation amounts ranging from 85-160 mm during that period which increased water levels and flows across the Trent-Severn Waterway. Historical average rainfall for the entire month of May across the Trent-Severn ranges from 80-100 mm. Please check the website of your local conservation authority or the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry for the most up to date watershed conditions. The weather forecast suggests that there is a risk of thunderstorms towards the end of the week and rain on the weekend.

Haliburton and Northern Areas

After a wetter than normal April (100-125 mm of rain fell versus the monthly average of 76 mm) the Haliburton area received a significant amount of rainfall (100-125mm) during the first week of May. Comparatively the average precipitation amount for the entire month of May in Haliburton is 93 mm. Consequently the Gull and Burnt River Reservoir Lakes are full or overfull. The Gull and Burnt rivers have recently peaked. Lake levels have begun to decline. Central Lakes are full or overfull.

Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River

The Kawartha Lakes levels are overfull. Levels have started to decline and will continue to do so as flows decrease on the Gull and Burnt rivers. The Otonabee River flow will continue to decrease.

Rice Lake and the Lower Trent

Rice Lake is overfull but it has peaked and levels will decline as flows from the Otonabee decrease. Lower Trent levels will decrease as well.

Severn River

The Black River flow has peaked. Water levels and flows are high on the Severn River and will remain high as water is released from Lake Simcoe. Dam operations are complete at Lake St. John to prevent backflow.

May 10, 2017

Weather

Significant rainfall over the last week (April 28 to May 6) has resulted in total precipitation amounts ranging from 85-160 mm over that time period which have increased water levels and flows across the Trent-Severn Waterway. Comparatively average rainfall for the entire month of May across the Trent-Severn ranges from 80-100 mm. Please check the website of your local conservation authority or the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry for the most up to date watershed conditions. The weather forecast suggests that there will be no significant amounts of rain this week.

Haliburton and Northern Areas

After a wetter than normal April in the Haliburton area, with 100-125 mm of rain falling versus the monthly average of 76 mm, the Haliburton area received significant rainfall during the first week of May totalling a further 100-125 mm. Comparatively the average precipitation amount for the entire month of May in Haliburton is 93 mm. Subsequently the Gull and Burnt River Reservoir Lakes are full or overfull. Gull and Burnt River flows will continue to increase and lakes will continue to rise. There will be reduced inflows today at Twelve Mile and Horseshoe Dam. Central Lakes are full or overfull.

Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River

The Kawartha Lakes levels are overfull and will continue to increase due to the high flows from the Gull and Burnt rivers. The Otonabee River flow will continue to increase.

Rice Lake and the Lower Trent

Rice Lake is overfull and will continue to rise due to increased flow on the Otonabee. Lower Trent will increase as well.

Severn River

The Black River flow has peaked. Water levels and flows are high on the Severn River and will remain high as water will be released from Lake Simcoe as Black River flows decline. Dam operations are complete at Lake St. John to prevent backflow.

May 5, 2017

Weather

Rainfall over the last week of April combined with a significant rainfall event early this week have resulted in total precipitation amounts ranging from 50-100 mm over that time period which have increased water levels and flows across the Trent-Severn Waterway. Currently Environment Canada has issued a Public Weather Alert for Southern Ontario as further rainfall amounts of 40-70 mm are expected on Thursday and Friday with continued showers over the weekend and warn that "with the ground already saturated there is potential for local flooding". Please check the website of your local conservation authority or the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry for the most up to date watershed conditions.

Haliburton and Northern Areas

After receiving 10-25 mm of rain at the end of April, the Haliburton area received significant rainfall in the first three days of May totalling 50-70 mm. Comparatively the average precipitation amount for the entire month of May in Haliburton is 93 mm. Subsequently the Gull and Burnt River Reservoir Lakes are full or overfull and levels will continue to increase. The Gull and Burnt River flows have increased due to the rain and will continue to increase. Central Lakes are full or overfull.

Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River

The Kawartha Lakes levels are overfull and will continue to increase due to the high flows from the Gull and Burnt rivers. The Otonabee River flow will continue to increase and flows will remain high.

Rice Lake and the Lower Trent

Rice Lake is overfull and will continue to rise due to increased flow on the Otonabee. Lower Trent will increase as well.

Severn River

The Black River flow will continue to increase. Water levels and flows are high on the Severn River and will continue to increase. Dam operations are complete at Lake St. John to prevent backflow.

May 2, 2017

Weather

Rainfall over the past week combined with a significant rain fall event on Monday have resulted in total precipitation amounts ranging from 60-100 mm over that time period which have increased water levels and flows across the Trent-Severn Waterway. Check your local conservation authority website for watershed conditions. The short term forecast suggests further rain events towards the end of the week and into the weekend.

Haliburton and Northern Areas

The Haliburton area has received significant rainfall and all the Gull and Burnt River Reservoir Lakes are full or overfull. Lake levels are high and will continue to increase. The Gull and Burnt River flows have increased due to the rain and will continue to increase. Flows and levels will remain high through Minden. Central Lakes are full or overfull.

Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River

The Kawartha Lakes levels are high and will continue to increase due to the high flows from the Gull and Burnt rivers. The Otonabee River flow will continue to increase and flows will remain high.

Rice Lake and the Lower Trent

Rice Lake is high and is expected to continue to rise due to increased flow on the Otonabee. Lower Trent will increase as well.

Severn River

The Black River flow will continue to increase. Water levels and flows are high on the Severn River and will continue to increase. Dam operations are being completed at Lake St. John to manage the recent rainfall and prevent backflow.

April 11, 2017

Weather

Intermittent rainfall is forecast across the Trent-Severn Waterway region this week. Otonabee Region Conservation Authority has issued a flood warning. Lower Trent Conservation Authority and Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry Bancroft District have issued flood watches. A water safety statement has been released by the Kawartha Conservation and Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority.

Haliburton and Northern Areas

The Gull River and Burnt River have peaked or are close to peaking but may rise again depending on rainfall. The Central and Burnt Lake reservoirs are near capacity. Gull River reservoir lakes are at 77% capacity. Little snow remains in the area.

Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River

The Kawartha Lakes levels are all near full. The Otonabee River flows are reaching average annual maximums.

Rice Lake and the Lower Trent

The Rice Lake level is above average and will continue to increase.

Severn River

The Black River has peaked but may rise again depending on rainfall. Flows and water levels on the Severn River are expect to remain about the same as decreases in the Black River are offset by the release of water from Lake Simcoe. Currently flows from Lake Simcoe to the Severn River is leakage only and discharges from Lock 42 have ceased. The water levels on Lake Simcoe are above long-term average and are expected to increase. Lake St. John dam is closed off to prevent back flow from the Black River.

2016
April 4, 2016

Weather

Two rain events are expected to bring significant rainfall across the Trent-Severn Waterway region this week. A water safety statement has been released by the Kawartha Conservation, Lower Trent Conservation Authority, Otonabee Region Conservation Authority and Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry Bancroft District has issued a flood watch.

Haliburton and Northern Areas

The Gull River and Burnt River flows have been holding steady due to snow melt but are expected to increase with the rain in the forecast and the depletion of the remaining snow in the northern areas. The rain combined with snow melt will continue to raise lake levels and increase stream flows on both systems. Lakes on both rivers systems still have storage available. Central Lakes are above long-term average and are expected to rise due to the rain. Most of the snow in the central lakes area is gone.

Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River

The Kawartha Lakes levels are around long-term average for this time of year and are expected to continue to rise over the next few days due to the rain and increased inflows. There is very little snow left in the Kawartha and Otonabee River area. The Otonabee River flow has been steady the last week but will increase due to the rain.

Rice Lake and the Lower Trent

Rice Lake is slightly below average and is expected to increase with rain and increased flow on the Otonabee. There is no snow left in this area.

Severn River

The Black River flows are expected to increase over the next few days due to rain and subsequent snow melt. Flows and water levels are expected to increase on the Severn River. This increase will result from the unregulated inflow coming from the Black River and local drainage. Flows from Lake Simcoe to the Severn River is leakage only and discharges from Lock 42 have ceased. The water levels on Lake Simcoe are slightly above long-term average and are expected to increase with the rainfall. All the logs are in at Lake St. John to prevent the Black River from backing into the Lake.

Parks Canada Water Management App

Parks Canada launched our new refreshed website on Sunday April 2, 2017. Unfortunately the Trent-Severn Water Management Application did not transition to the new site as planned. We are working to rectify this situation as a matter of priority and hope to have app functioning again soonest.

Watershed conditions

The Trent-Severn Waterway continues to work with local conservation authorities, municipalities and the Ministry of Natural Resources to ensure that accurate water shed information is relayed to the public.

For up-to-date warnings and watches with regards to water levels in your region, please visit the following web sites:

Visit Flood Ready for more information on general flood preparation. Locally, people are encouraged to contact their local municipal offices for any assistance they can provide with regard to flood mitigation, i.e. emergency services, sand bags, etc.

The Trent-Severn Waterway also maintains an email list for those wishing to have Water Management Updates sent directly to them via email.

If you would like to be added to our Water Management Update list to receive information as it becomes available, please email: Ont.TrentSevern@pc.gc.ca

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