Video – Photo Gallery – Lower Trent Conservation Issues Flood Warning for Rice Lake and Trent River
A Flood Warning is issued when flooding is beginning/occurring or when more serious flooding is possible.
A Flood Warning requires action that may include the activation of the municipal flood emergency plan,
warning residents or businesses in specific affected areas, and in some cases evacuation.
DATE: April 16, 2026
TIME: 4:00 PM
ISSUED TO: Municipalities (Brighton, Quinte West, Stirling-Rawdon, Trent Hills, Alnwick-Haldimand),
Northumberland and Hastings Counties, Ministry of Natural Resources, Parks Canada – Ontario
Waterways, Ontario Power Generation, Innergex, Media, Health Units, Emergency Response
Agencies
MESSAGE #: LTC – 26 – 09 Valid until Friday, May 1, 2026 at 4:00 PM
Lower Trent Conservation advises local municipalities and the public that a Flood Warning Update is now issued for Rice Lake and the Trent River from Hastings to Trenton. It is important to note that during this time, high water levels, unsafe banks or other factors could be dangerous for recreational users and waterfront landowners. This Flood Warning Statement is intended as an update to the Flood Warning issued on April 10, 2026.
The Trent River system is in full spring freshet with the warming temperatures melting the snowpack in the larger Trent River watershed, which includes the Haliburton headwaters area, reservoir lakes, the Kawartha Lakes and the Otonabee River. The snowpack remaining in these northern areas has been significantly reduced but flows from this area through the Trent River system will continue to remain elevated and increase quickly for at least the next week, with forecasted precipitation of 10-15mm in these northern areas.
The Lower Trent watershed also has forecasts of 15-20mm of rain over the next 5 days, with the potential of thunderstorms to increase this to 20-30 mm, further increasing the overall flows throughout the Trent River.
Outflows from the Kawartha Lakes, through the Otonabee River, into Rice Lake and down the Trent River are expected to continue to increase over the next week as the melted snow and rain continue to flow through the Trent River system. As a result, flooding in low-lying areas is imminent or occurring.
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 riverbanks. While the potential dangers presented by rivers, small streams and open ditches never
cease to exist, they are of particular concern during these conditions.
Water currents could be strong and temperatures are cold. Parents and caregivers are advised to keep
children and pets away from all waterways. Additionally, areas around dams, culverts and bridges should be avoided at all times.
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. Anyone having concerns about water levels on the Trent River can contact Parks Canada (705)-750-4950 or trentsevern@pc.gc.ca.
This Flood Warning Statement for the Trent River will be in effect until Friday, May 1, 2026 at 4:00 PM
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