Lower Trent Conservation has issued a Flood Watch Statement for the Trent River (Hastings to Trenton).
High water levels, unsafe banks, or other factors could be dangerous for recreational users and waterfront land owners. Nuisance or minor flooding of roads, backyards, basements etc., for some may occur.
Water levels along our local creeks and streams and the Trent River have been slightly below average for this time of year. Weather forecasts for this week are indicating cold temperatures with wind chill temperatures in the range of ‐18 °Celsius. These forecasted temperatures are across parts of central and eastern Ontario beginning today and persisting throughout the week before returning to warmer temperatures next week.
However, some areas along the Trent River have had recent reports of frazil ice occurring, resulting in increased water levels in localized areas. The Trent‐Severn Waterway is making operational changes to water control structures in the affected areas in an effort to moderate rising water levels. As a result, fluctuating water levels will be experienced during these operations.
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 °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.
Residents living along any flowing water bodies should pay careful attention to water levels as the accumulation of frazil ice may result in frazil ice jamming and rapid unpredictable increases in water levels. Fluctuating water levels are expected to occur during these weather conditions.
This Flood Watch Statement for the Trent River will be in effect until Thursday, January25, 2024.
