Lower Trent Conservation advises municipalities and the public that the Flood Watch issued for the Trent River from Hastings to Trenton remains in place, especially for the section of the river from Frankford to Batawa.
Flows on the Trent River are higher than average for this time of year. The flows generated in the upper portions of the Trent River System from last week’s rain event 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.
Colder temperatures over the weekend and continuing for another day have caused a high amount of frazil ice 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.
An ice jam of block ice and frazil ice is currently in place between Frankford and Batawa and is causing significantly high water levels in this section of the river between Locks 4 and 5. Parks Canada – Ontario Waterways (Trent Severn Waterway) is making adjustments at water control structures to manage the ice accumulation and 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. Residents should also be aware of ice jam potentials at this time.
Lower Trent Conservation will be maintaining contact with Parks Canada, the Provincial Surface Water Monitoring Centre and neighbouring Conservation Authorities to ensure they 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) Thursday, January 23, 2020.
(Lower Trent Conservation press release)
