Coalition for Equitable Water Flow

ANNOUNCING TWO NEW CEWF VIDEOS!

Extreme Water Levels – What You Can Do

As you know, local water level changes have been more extreme in recent years due to changing weather patterns. The CEWF works closely with the Trent Severn Waterway (TSW) in representing property owners on the reservoir system.

 

As part of its ongoing communications work, CEWF is pleased to announce the completion of two videos and a worksheet geared to help you better understand how the system works, and better prepare for extreme water levels - be that drought or flood. 

 

The first video explains the operation of the TSW, and the second discusses what you can do to help protect your waterfront. This second video is accompanied by a Worksheet with additional information and helpful links.

To access the videos, go to EXTREME WATER LEVELS on the CEWF website - cewf.ca

 

Gull River Watershed - Flood Watch May1/23

ISSUED BY MNRF:

"The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry – Bracebridge Minden Parry Sound District is advising area residents that a Flood Watch bulletin for the Gull River Watershed is in effect until
Thursday May 11, 2023. This message will affect residents within the MNRF Bracebridge Minden Parry Sound District in the County of Haliburton and City of Kawartha Lakes. Water levels and river flows are expected to rise over the next several days with runoff from recent rainfall."

To read the full bulletin - click here

(Note: All the MNRF flood bulletins can be accessed from the CEWF home page - go to 'MNR Flood Alerts' under 'Other Important Links'. Scroll to the Parry Sound District (or appropriate Conservation Authority) and click on the watershed of interest).

TSW Water Management Update - Apr26/23

FROM THE TSW:

Trent-Severn Waterway - Water Level Management Update – 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. 

TSW Water Management Update - Apr7/23

FROM THE TSW:

Trent-Severn Waterway - Water Level Management Update – 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 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. 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.

TSW Water Management Update - Apr4/23

FROM THE TSW:

Trent-Severn Waterway - Water Level Management Update – 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 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 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.

TSW Water Management Update - Mar30/23

FROM THE TSW:

Trent-Severn Waterway - Water Level Management Update – 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 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 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.

TSW Water Level Management Update - Mar8/23

FROM THE TSW:

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.

 

TSW Water Level Management Update

FROM THE TSW:

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.

TSW 10-year Management Plan

Trent-Severn Waterway and Peterborough Lift Lock National Historic Sites Management Plan has been Finalized

In December 2022 the Final version of the Trent-Severn Waterway and Peterborough Lift Lock National Historic Sites Management Plan was approved by The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, and then Tabled in Parliament. The Plan is available on the Parks Canada website at: https://parks.canada.ca/lhn-nhs/on/trentsevern/info/plan/plan-2022. The plan is intended to cover the next 10 years. A PDF version of the report is available on our site - click here.

The CEWF Executive Committee is pleased to see the final plan which recognizes the significance of the reservoir area, and sets out future directions to address important issues facing the entire TSW system.

CEWF Engagement in the Plan Process

The process for the Plan development included an extensive program of public consultation beginning in 2019, and CEWF participated in all stages representing the interests of the reservoir and flow through lakes in Haliburton and northern Peterborough Counties. In 2019 a series of five stakeholder engagement workshops were held at different locations in the watershed, including one session in Haliburton. CEWF Executive Committee had representatives participate in each of the sessions.

In Spring 2022 CEWF Executive Committee was invited to participate in a Virtual Stakeholder Session with the TSW Planning Team where we were able to represent the interests of the reservoir area. In particular we emphasized the need for 'integrated water management at the watershed level'. Following this session, the CEWF Executive Committee submitted a written brief to the planning team which was subsequently endorsed by the five municipal councils of the municipalities in Haliburton and northern Peterborough Counties covering the reservoir area.

In May and June of 2022 four virtual public consultation sessions were held, and again the CEWF Executive Committee had representatives participate in each.

In addition, online consultation was available through the TSW website, and CEWF encouraged our member associations and their members to participate through written comments.

A full report on the consultation process was published by TSW in September 2022 - click here.

TSW Water management Update

Trent-Severn Waterway - Water Level Management Update – December 29, 2022

Parks Canada's water management team continues to actively monitor water levels, 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.

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.

Reservoir Water Levels Update

Two dry months have led to lower than normal reservoir levels and river flows.

CEWF has received communications from residents asking about the current low water conditions on many lakes and river sections.

At the present time several reservoirs are below their normal levels for this time of year and connecting rivers are experiencing lower than normal flows. This is the result of a lack of precipitation over the last two months and very limited inflows to the system.

As is the normal practice TSW water management staff adjusted reservoir dams to their normal winter set log adjustments in early October with the goal of achieving minimum levels by mid October. This is intended to ensure that after the lake trout spawn levels will not decline significantly over winter which could cause the spawn to dry out or freeze.

The following table summarizes the precipitation totals for Haliburton from January to November 8. It illustrates how variable the rainfall patterns have been in 2022.  In particular we have seen a dry fall such that the watershed is dry and inflows to our lakes are very limited. Although lake levels have stabilized in response to winter log set in our dams, in several cases the level is below normal by up to 10 or 15 cms. As a result the flows to connecting rivers is also below normal.

TSW has very limited scope to adjust levels and flows because of the fisheries considerations. However they are monitoring levels and flows constantly in the hope that rainfall events will allow levels and flows to increase to normal levels. Ideally before freeze up, late fall rainfall events will allow the watershed to increase water storage resulting in more normal inflows to the system and gradual adjustment to levels and river flows.