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Kingston – Cataraqui Conservation has updated the current Flood Watch today due to elevated water levels and the forecast for additional rainfall.
Weather Situation:
36 – 47mm of precipitation fell in the Cataraqui region over the period of March 28 – 31, which is over half a month’s worth. Environment Canada has issued special weather statements for April 2 and 3, advising of 2 – 5 mm of freezing rain followed by significant rainfall. Total rainfall amounts of 20 – 40 mm with locally higher amounts possible in thunderstorms. Additional rain is forecast for April 5 and 6.
Conditions:
Streamflows have risen quickly from recent rainfall, with many gauged creeks at about 2.5 times normal levels. These flows are stabilizing, but largely will not have a chance to come back down before the forecasted rain.
Water managers have been aggressively managing outflows to prepare, as much as possible, for additional rainfall. Some managed lakes remain well above normal.
The ground has limited ability to absorb precipitation due to higher saturation following recent rainfall. This will lead to enhanced runoff to streams and lakes during rainfall events.
Risks:
The forecasted rain is expected to cause streamflows to rise, possibly exceeding levels observed March 17 – 18 following the March 15 & 16 snowmelt and rainfall event. Higher than normal peak spring flows and levels are possible, as well as localized impacts such as roadway inundation and the filling of floodplain areas.
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 expected.
Specific locations that may experience or are already experiencing water levels well above normal seasonal averages include*:
Cataraqui Watershed
- Loughborough Lake (PP)
- Buck Lake (PP)
- Canoe Lake (PP)
- Kingsford Lake (PP)
- Devil Lake (PP)
- Newboro Lake (PC)
- Opinicon Lake (PC)
- Sand Lake (PC)
- Cranberry Lake (PC)
- Dog Lake (PC)
- Colonel By Lake (PC)
Gananoque River System
- Upper Beverley Lake & Delta (MNR)
- Lower Beverley Lake (MNR)
- Singleton Lake (MNR)
- Charleston Lake (PP)
- Gananoque Lake (PP)
- 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:
1. Parks Canada (PC)
E-mail: rideau@pc.gc.ca
More information is available here: https://parks.canada.ca/lhn-nhs/on/rideau/info/infonet
2. Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR)
E-mail: kemptville-kingston.mnrf@ontario.ca
3. Portage Power (PP)
E-mail: info@portagepower.com
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 16, 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.