Lower Trent Conservation advises municipalities and the public that a Flood Watch for the Trent River has been issued for the Trent River between Trent Severn Dams #7 at Glen Ross and Dam #6 at Frankford.
Water levels along the Trent River between Dams 6 & 7 have been low to average for this time of year. A frazil ice jam has formed across the Trent River in the area between Glen Ross and Frankford, which is causing increases in water levels. Residents living along Cooke Armstrong Road (downstream of Glen Ross), Trentside Lane and Prior Lane should pay careful attention to water levels as the accumulation of frazil ice may result in further ice jamming and rapid unpredictable increases in water levels. The Trent-Severn Waterway is making operational changes to water control structures in the affected area in an effort to moderate rising water levels. Fluctuating water levels will be experienced during these operations.
High water levels could cause flooding of driveways, access roads or buildings located in low-lying areas. Residents should ensure their sump pumps are working and secure personal property (boats, docks, etc.) along river banks. These extreme cold temperatures will cause flood waters to freeze and cause dangerous conditions.
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. Temperatures are expected to rise on the weekend and alleviate the risk of frazil ice.
The public is urged to exercise caution around all watercourses due to strong currents and very cold water temperatures. Sheet ice cover that has formed on lakes and rivers should still be considered unsafe. Parents are urged to keep children and pets away from all waterways. Areas around water control structures should be avoided at all times.
This flood message will be in effect for the next 72 hours and will be updated or removed on Monday, December 23, 2019 or earlier if necessary.
Lower Trent Conservation staff continue to monitor water levels, snow conditions and weather forecasts carefully as part of its regular flood forecasting and warning program. Anyone having concerns about flooding may call Lower Trent Conservation at (613) 394-4829.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
