Trent-Severn Waterway - Water Level Management Update – May 28, 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.

For information on the most recent announcements regarding the partial closures of the Trent-Severn Waterway, see our information bulletin. 

Weather

Over the past two weeks, the Trent-Severn Waterway has received 60 mm above normal precipitation. The current 5-day forecast suggests an additional 17 mm, which will sustain already high water levels and flows across the entire system. For the latest watershed conditions, please check the website of your local conservation authority or the Ontario Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry.

Haliburton and Northern Areas

Recent rainfall has brought the Gull, Burnt, and Central Lakes to full or slightly overfull conditions. Flows on the Gull have not peaked and will remain above seasonal levels. The Burnt River has peaked and begun to recede but is expected to level off and remain above seasonal with additional rainfall.

Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River

Water levels on the Kawartha Lakes are above average and over full and are expected to remain high due to the recent rainfall. Water levels and flows on the Otonabee River are high and will remain elevated until water levels on the Kawartha Lakes begin to recede.

Rice Lake and the Lower Trent

Water levels on Rice Lake are above average but have crested and are now receding. Flows on the Lower Trent remain elevated due to recent rainfall and high inflows from both the Otonabee River and Crowe River.

Lake Simcoe and Severn River

The Black River has peaked and is expected to level off with incoming rain. Water levels and flows on the Severn River remain high and will stay elevated until levels decrease on Lake Simcoe and Sparrow Lake. Lake Simcoe’s water levels are above full and above the rule curve. Flows across the navigation channel will remain high to help reduce levels throughout the system.