Trent-Severn Waterway - Water Level Management Update – June 23, 2025

Update by Parks Canada:

Parks Canada's water management team continues to actively monitor water levels, flows, and weather forecasts across the Trent-Severn Waterway National Historic Site. These factors are used to determine dam operations on a daily basis for the Trent-Severn Waterway National Historic Site.

Weather

Rainfall amounts in June have been significantly below normal, with precipitation occurring only in highly localized events. The 14-day forecast indicates that high temperatures are expected to persist. However, approximately 20–30 mm of rain is forecast over the next five days, primarily due to thunderstorm activity.

Haliburton and Northern Areas

Most lakes are currently near their long-term average water levels. The Gull River reservoirs are 92% full, the Burnt River reservoirs are at 94%, and the Central Reservoirs are 95% full. Depending on rainfall this week, drawdown could begin as early as the end of the week. If drawdown does commence, water level forecasts will start being 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 its average level, while the Lower Trent is currently being sustained by minimum flows from the Otonabee River.

Lake Simcoe and Severn River

Lake Simcoe water levels are on average and on rule curve. Flows on the Severn River are stable and decreasing.

About Parks Canada Ontario Waterways Water Management InfoNet

Parks Canada maintains the Ontario Waterways Water Management InfoNet on the Trent-Severn Waterway website at: https://parks.canada.ca/lhn-nhs/on/trentsevern/info/infonet/point-gestion-eau-water-management-updates. 

The InfoNet contains background information on water management practices, water management updates, frequently asked questions about water management, various reports on water management, and the most recent water levels of lakes along both the Rideau Canal and the Trent-Severn Waterway. The information comes from hydrometric gauges located at key points along both waterways and is vetted by trained and experienced Parks Canada water management staff.

This information is intended as supplemental information only. Please refer to your respective Conservation Authority or the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry as the primary source for relevant flood forecasting information specific to your area. These are: Kawartha Conservation, Otonabee Region Conservation Authority, Ganaraska Conservation Authority, Lower Trent Conservation Authority, Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority or, in all other areas of the Trent and Severn Watersheds, the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry.