Cataraqui, Quinte, See Increased High Water Risk In March

In separate releases this week, both Quinte Conservation (QC) and Cataraqui Conservation (CC) are advising of an increased risk of higher-than-normal water levels in the coming weeks,

“A multi-day period of warmth is approaching, with weather forecasts suggesting that air temperatures will rise to consistently above zero starting Thursday, March 5 or Friday, March 6. Successive days with daytime highs approaching or exceeding 10 degrees C from Saturday, March 7 to Wednesday, March 11 is a possibility. A multi-day period of significant rainfall is also forecast to begin on March 5 or March 6.,” said the CC release.

“It is expected that this spring will include more precipitation than normal. It is possible that this spring will have a delayed and quick snowmelt causing flooding to occur. A fast melt can also cause ice to break up, mobilize, and jam - causing additional flood concerns. However, if weather conditions persist with daytime highs above zero, and freezing temperatures overnight and without rain – it is unlikely there will be a major flooding event this spring,” is how the QC release characterised the scenario

Currently, many streams and inland lake levels are below normal due to the lack of midwinter melts and rainfall events. The snowpack, however, is over two times the normal depth and water equivalent in some areas.

The coming rise in temperatures and rainfall are expected to cause a pronounced start to the spring snowmelt. Rainfall combined with melting snow will contribute to increase water levels and flows on inland lakes and streams in the coming days and weeks. Runoff will be enhanced where frozen ground conditions exist.

“In response to the high amount of water in the snowpack, Water Managers are increasing discharge from managed lakes and targeting lower water levels to prepare for greater inflows from snowmelt and possible rainfall events. Water management cannot prevent flooding. It seeks to balance negative impacts, as much as possible, when excess water moves through the system. Target water levels generally trend upward through March to prepare for the summer recreation season, “ said the CC release.

Both agencies do not see widespread flooding as an imminent concern within their watersheds, but they do see higher than normal water level making “inundation of low lying areas more likely” than in other years.

“Residents can still take steps to be prepared. Move belongings that could be damaged by water off of the basement floor and to an elevated location, test sump pumps and back-up power supplies, and plan for someone to check on your home if you are out of town,” said QC. “Additionally, residents are encouraged to review Quinte Conservation's flood information and sandbagging guide at QuinteConservation.ca and check with their municipality for emergency preparedness information.

Cataraqui Conservation is also urging caution around the inflow and outflow channels of all dams in their system, and points out that ice conditions will rapidly deteriorate as the temperature warms

They are also continuing to monitor conditions and will likely release updated statements over the next two weeks.

For up-to-date flooding information from CC, visit their flood forecasting and information page at https://cataraquiconservation.ca/pages/flood.