Lower Trent Conservation maintains a flood forecasting and warning system to provide early warning of possible risks to people and property from flooding. We provide local municipalities, other agencies and the public with advance notice, information and advice so that they can respond to potential flooding and flood-related emergencies.
We use stream gauges, weather stations, snowpack measurements, weather forecasts and computer models to determine the potential for flooding. When spring melt or severe storms are anticipated, Lower Trent Conservation estimates the severity, location, and timing of possible flooding.
Our Flood Contingency Plan outlines our roles and responsibilities as well as those of local municipalities and the Province.
- Flood Ready – Don’t wait for the water! – Government of Canada website
Water Level Bulletins – Definitions
Lower Trent Conservation issues three levels of messages to advise municipalities and watershed residents of the potential threat to public safety or property damage.
Normal Conditions: No flood conditions exist.
Water Safety Statement: High flows, unsafe banks, melting ice or other factors that could be dangerous for recreational users such as anglers, canoeists, hikers, children, pets, etc. Flooding is not expected.
Flood Outlook Statement: Early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts calling for heavy rain, snowmelt, high wind, or other conditions that could lead to high runoff, cause ice jams, lakeshore flooding or erosion.
Flood Watch: Flooding is possible to occur in the near future in specific watercourses or municipalities. Nuisance flooding of access roads, backyards, basements, etc. may be occurring. Buildings/people are not at risk. The Flood Watch is intended to provide notice to municipalities, emergency services and individual landowners in flood prone areas that measures should be taken to prepare for possible flooding.
Flood Warning: Flooding is imminent or occurring. The Flood Warning is intended to provide notice to municipalities and emergency services that action is required on their part.
