CRCA, MVCA flood warnings

Jeff Green | May 01, 2023

Cataraqui Conservation has issued a Flood Watch today for the Cataraqui Watershed and Gananoque River System, due to the excessive amount of rainfall in recent days, and the increased likelihood of flooding in South Frontenac

The Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority has also issued a flood warning, effecting Mazinaw and Little Marble Lakes in North Frontenac, and Dalhousie Lake and the Clyde River  in Lanark Highlands.

Weather Situation: Throughout the region, 55 to 77 mm of rain has fallen since April 29. This represents about a month’s worth of rain in only two or three days. There may be some additional rainfall over the next few days before drier conditions arrive.

Risks: This has meant that there are high flows on watercourses and high-water levels on inland lakes. As well, lake levels will continue to rise for several days. Water Managers have increased discharge and continue to monitor levels closely to limit, as much as possible, negative impacts from the rainfall runoff.

Widespread flooding is NOT expected. However, flooding of low-lying areas is expected.

Specific locations where water levels are exceptionally high include*:

Cataraqui Watershed

• Loughborough Lake
• Buck Lake
• Canoe Lake
• Kingsford Lake
• Devil Lake
• Newboro Lake
• Opinicon Lake
• Sand Lake
• Cranberry Lake
• Dog Lake
• Colonel By Lake

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. 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)

The Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority has upgraded its FLOOD WATCH to a FLOOD WARNING for Dalhousie Lake and Clyde River and has included Mazinaw Lake / Little Marble and Marble Lakes.With more rain in today’s forecast than anticipated, flows and water levels continue to increase causing flood conditions throughout the watershed.   
 
Mazinaw Lake / Little Marble and Marble Lakes – water levels have increased rapidly over the last 48 hours. Outflows from Mazinaw Lake have increased sharply and flooding is expected on Little Marble and Marble Lakes.

Dalhousie Lake – water levels are expected to increase over the next 24 hours with the ongoing rain. Water levels are expected to increase by 10 to 15 cm from current conditions of 157.40 m.

Clyde River – flows are expected to increase with the rain today and will remain high for the next few days.
 
Residents in flood prone or low-lying areas historically susceptible to flooding should take the necessary precautions to protect their property.
 
Parents are encouraged to remind their children about hypothermia and the dangers of playing near fast flowing water.
 
 
This Watershed Conditions Statement is in effect until the end of the day on Monday, May 8, 2023 and will be updated at that time unless the forecasts change.
 
 Please visit the MVCA’s website for more information on:

• Water levels and flow data: mvc.on.ca/water-levels
• Watershed Conditions Messages: mvc.on.ca/watershed-conditions-message.

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.