Flood warning ended, water levels still dropping
The flood warning in effect for Peterborough and area for the past several days has been lifted, the Otonabee Region Conservation Authority (ORCA) announced Tuesday.
In its place, the conservation authority issued a water safety statement for the Kawartha lakes, Otonabee River, Rice Lake and the Trent River from Hastings.
The statement applies to the city, Otonabee-South Monaghan, Selwyn, Douro-Dummer, Asphodel-Norwood, Cavan Monaghan, Trent Hills and the City of Kawartha Lakes.
High water levels on some local bodies of water led to the delay of the Trent-Severn Waterway’s 2017 opening, which was moved from last Friday to this coming Friday because of high water levels.
By monitoring a variety of sources, ORCA has determined that the levels on Buckhorn, Chemong and Pigeon lakes have dropped 27 centimetres from their peak on May 11 and 12.
Lovesick Lake must still drop five cm, while Stoney and Clear lakes require another 29 cm drop to reach the proper navigation level.
Rice Lake is still 28 cm above navigation level after dropping 32 cm since its peak May 15.
The Otonabee River, which carries water south from the Kawartha Lakes into Rice Lake, is still flosing in the 225 to 250 cubic metres per second range, but is expected to slow by later this week ORCA expects levels on the Trent-Severn Waterway to be at the right levels by this Friday’s opening of the waterway.
The water safety statement will expire Friday.
However, water flows are still stronger than normal, making local waterways unsafe. Members of the public are reminded to stay away from the edges of lakes and rivers, and avoid dams and culverts.
To report a flood, call 705-7455791 ext. 228 or email orcaflooduty@otonabee.com. In an emergency, call 911.
NOTE: See coverage of the flooding on Rice Lake and Lake Ontario on Page A5.