Kingston – Cataraqui Conservation has extended the Flood Watch today due to elevated water levels in some areas and forecast for additional rainfall.
Weather Situation:
Temperatures are expected to fluctuate near the freezing mark, above zero during the day and below zero at night. A combination of precipitation forms is forecast for March 28 to 31, including snow, ice pellets, freezing rain, and rain. There is considerable uncertainty, but forecasts suggest a large portion of the expected precipitation, as much as 30 – 55 mm+, could fall as rain or freezing rain from March 28 - 31. Additional rainfall is possible April 2 to 5.
Conditions:
Runoff from the melting snowpack and rainfall events on March 16 and March 20 increased water levels and flows. Somewhat drier conditions since then have allowed conditions to improve. Streamflows peaked last week and have been falling with many returning to the normal range.
In recent days lake levels peaked and have begun steady declines. Some managed lakes remain well above normal, however.
The snowpack is gone but the ground has limited ability to absorb rainfall, especially in areas where the soil is saturated and/or still partially frozen. This will lead to enhanced runoff to streams and lakes during rainfall events.
Risks:
Though conditions have been improving, the forecasted rain is expected to cause streamflows to rise. Whether we see flows rise to those from a week ago, following the March 15 & 16 snowmelt and rainfall event, will be heavily dependent on rainfall amounts over the coming days.
Lake levels are also expected to rise. Water Managers have increased discharge (to maximum capacity from some water control structures) and continue to monitor levels closely to limit, as much as possible, negative impacts.
Widespread flooding is NOT expected. However, flooding of low-lying areas IS possible.
Specific locations where water levels are well above normal seasonal averages include*:
Gananoque River – the reach between Marble Rock Dam downstream to the 401 causeway (includes Marble Rock Road) – (PP)
*Connected lakes and watercourses, associated with the above list, may also be affected.
Requests for additional information associated with the above listed managed lakes can be sent to the following water management groups:
Residents in flood-prone or low-lying areas, historically susceptible to flooding, are advised to remove items stored in the floodplains of area watercourses and lakes.
If you witness flooding and/or require assistance, your first point of contact is the local municipality.
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.
Staff will continue to monitor conditions and forecasts, and update statements as needed. This Flood Watch will remain in effect until (or updated before) Wednesday, April 9, 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.
Affected residents are advised that sand and bags are available at the following municipal locations (separate municipalities):
Residents in the Township of South Frontenac
2490 Keeley Rd, Sydenham – call first to schedule pick up (613-376-3027)
Residents in the Township of Rideau Lakes
Municipal storage dome at 1410 County Road 8 in Philipsville - call first (613-349-2314)
Residents in the Township of Leeds and the Thousand Islands
Main Township yard located at 1233 Prince Street in Lansdowne
North yard located at 312 Lyndhurst Rd in Lyndhurst
At both locations, clean sand stored in two yellow covered containers. Bags, a shovel, and a filling cone available for public use.
Residents in the Township of Athens
44 Elgin Street North - call first to schedule pick up (613-924-2044) sand only (no bags).
Residents in the City of Kingston
Creekford Road Public Works site. Residents should submit a request through Contact Us https://www.cityofkingston.ca/city-hall/contact-us , or call 613-546-0000, and arrangements can be made to have someone meet them on site.
Residents in the Town of Gananoque Public Works Yard Waste Depot located at the end of James A. Brennan Road - call first (613-382-4422).
Residents in the Township of Augusta Call 613-925-4231 x 201 if you have questions about sandbag supplies.
Residents in the City of Brockville Contact the City if you have questions about sandbag supplies.
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.