This flood message is no longer active.
Message # 2023-18
Issued: 11:00 a.m., Thursday, May 11, 2023
Subject: FLOOD WATCH Update – Issued for the Trent-Severn Waterway (TSW) within Otonabee Conservation’s geographical jurisdiction.
Issued to: Municipalities of Selwyn, Douro-Dummer, Asphodel-Norwood, Otonabee-South Monaghan, Cavan Monaghan, City of Kawartha Lakes, City of Peterborough and Trent Hills, and Otonabee Conservation’s other partners in flood emergency management.
This FLOOD WATCH Update is issued to alert municipalities and residents that floods are possible.
Weather: After recent widespread rainfall in the Haliburton Lakes/Reservoir Lakes area and Otonabee Conservation watershed, a high-pressure system now dominates. Clear skies and warm temperatures are forecast through the next 5 days. However, for the following 5 days (Tuesday to Saturday), there is a chance of precipitation including a possibility of thunderstorms.
Flood Risk for Trent-Severn Waterway: Water levels and flows in the Haliburton Lakes/Reservoir Lakes remain high because of the freshet and recent rains in that region. Given the hydrologic connection between the Haliburton Lakes/Reservoir Lakes and the Kawartha Lakes, flows entering the Kawartha Lakes and lake levels are elevated. Likewise, the Kawartha Lakes’ outflow (i.e., Otonabee River) is flowing significantly above normal for this time of year.
With fair weather forecasted for the next 5 days, water levels on the Haliburton Lakes/Reservoir Lakes and Kawartha Lakes are expected to slowly decline. As the Kawartha Lakes approach safe and navigational levels, flows on the Otonabee River will be reduced to normal for this time of year. In turn, this will lead to lower water levels on Rice Lake and reduced flows on the Trent River to Hastings. However, until we reach that point, there is a risk that widespread and/or significant rainfall could reverse the downward movement of water levels/flows. Therefore, Otonabee Conservation is advising residents and businesses located along the TSW to be vigilant and cautious despite the current clear and warm weather.
High water levels/flows combined with cold water temperatures makes for dangerous conditions. Therefore, Otonabee Conservation advises everyone to be extremely cautious if on or near area lakes, rivers, streams, or creeks. Also, boat wakes during high water conditions can cause damage to shorelines.
Water levels can be monitored on-line at:
- Trent-Severn Waterway’s Water Management InfoNet
- Water Survey of Canada Real-Time Hydrometric Data
- Otonabee Region Conservation Authority website
This FLOOD WATCH will expire Friday, May 19th, 2023, unless updated earlier.
For more information:
Gordon Earle | Flood Forecasting & Warning Duty Officer | 705-745-5791 x 214
250 Milroy Drive, Peterborough, ON K9H 7M9
orcafloodduty@otonabeeconservation.com | Flood Watch Hotline 705-745-5791 x 228