Lower Trent Conservation advises municipalities and the public that a Flood Watch has been issued for the Trent River from Hastings to Trenton.
The Flood Outlook Statement for local creeks and streams remains in effect.
The weather system that passed through Ontario last weekend is now impacting flows on the Trent River. The Trent River watershed received between 50 to 80 mm of precipitation last weekend and local streams in the Lower Trent Watershed responded to this event over the weekend. The flows generated in the upper portions of the Trent River System are now making their way through the Kawartha Lakes, Otonabee River and Trent River. Flows and water levels along the Trent River have increased to levels typically seen during the Spring Freshet and are now over 500 cubic metres per second (cms) at the mouth of the Trent River.
Parks Canada – Ontario Waterways (Trent Severn Waterway) is making adjustments at water control structures to accommodate the runoff from the northern region of the Trent River watershed. Residents living along the Trent River from the Village of Hastings to Trenton should anticipate continued high water levels and flows for at least the next week.
Colder temperatures are forecast for the weekend and may drop low enough for potential frazil ice development along the Trent River. Frazil ice is an ice formation that occurs when there is a lack of ice cover and exposure of the water surface to cold temperatures and/or wind chills below -18 degrees Celsius. These conditions trigger the formation of frazil ice which can accumulate quickly on bridge abutments, piers and riverbanks and block the flow of water.
Lower Trent Conservation will be maintaining contact with Parks Canada, the Provincial Surface Water Monitoring Centre and neighbouring Conservation Authorities to ensure we are aware of all dam operations and conditions that may affect the water levels on local waterways.
While the potential dangers presented by rivers, small streams and open ditches never cease to exist, they are of particular concern at this time of the year. Water currents are strong and temperatures dangerously cold. Parents and caregivers are advised to keep children and pets away from all waterways. Areas around dams, culverts and bridges should be avoided at all times. Furthermore, residents should ensure their sump pumps are working and secure personal property (e.g., boats, docks, etc.) along the river banks.
Lower Trent Conservation monitors water levels and weather forecasts closely as part of its flood forecasting and warning program. Daily water level updates are available at www.LTC.on.ca. If you have concerns about water levels, please contact Lower Trent Conservation at (613) 394-4829.
This Flood Watch will be in effect until (or updated before) Monday January 20, 2020.
SUBMITTED BY LOWER TRENT CONSERVATION
