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Flood Watch Downgraded to Water Safety Statement for Inland Lakes & Streams
April 16, 2025
Kingston – Cataraqui Conservation has downgraded the Flood Watch to a Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety today due to improving conditions throughout the watershed.
Weather Situation:
9 to 12 mm of rain is forecast for April 18 – 19. Additional rainfall is possible April 21 – 23 in the range of about 5 – 15 mm.
Conditions:
Conditions have been improving, with gauged streamflows back down to the normal range. Water managers have been reducing discharge through dams to keep water levels on target to start the recreation season. Some capacity for additional rainfall remains and the ground’s ability to absorb and infiltrate rainfall has improved.
Risks:
The main consideration now is water safety. Creeks and lakes are expected to accommodate the forecasted rain without flooding, but the flow in some watercourses such as the Gananoque River, and discharge through dams, remains high.
Cataraqui Conservation is urging caution around all dams (inflow and outflow channels) and fast-flowing watercourses. Respect the hazards in these areas by obeying all warning signs, and keep away from booms, buoys and barriers. Stay well back from the water’s edge above and below dams and hydroelectric stations. Creek banks and lake shorelines may be slippery, increasing the chance of falling in.
Water Managers continue to monitor levels closely to limit, as much as possible, negative impacts.
Flooding is NOT expected. However, continued localized inundation of some low-lying areas is possible.
If you witness flooding and/or require assistance, your first point of contact is the local municipality.
Staff will continue to monitor conditions and forecasts, and update statements as needed. This Watershed Condition Statement will remain in effect until (or updated before) Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at 11:59 PM.
For up-to-date flooding information, please visit our flood forecasting and information page at https://cataraquiconservation.ca/pages/flood.
See below for watershed conditions terminology:
Normal: No flood conditions exist
Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety: 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.
Watershed Conditions Statement – Flood Outlook: Early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts calling for heavy rain, snow melt, high wind or other conditions that could lead to high runoff, cause ice jams, lakeshore flooding or erosion.
Flood Watch: Flooding is possible in specific watercourse or municipalities. Municipalities, emergency services and individual landowners in flood-prone areas should prepare.
Flood Warning: Flooding is imminent or already occurring in specific watercourses or municipalities. Municipalities and individuals should take action to deal with flood conditions. This may include road closures and evacuations.