Cataraqui Conservation Updates Watershed Conditions Statement| Water Safety Inland Lakes and Streams

Kingston – Cataraqui Conservation has updated its Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety today due to high water levels and flows on inland lakes and streams. Residents and visitors to the Cataraqui Region should exercise caution around water bodies.

Weather Situation:
Approximately 34 to 46 mm of rain fell throughout the Cataraqui Region watershed between April 11 and 13. Combined with the recent rainfall event on April 3, the region has received a month’s worth of rain in the last two weeks. Another 10 to 25 mm+ of rain is expected between April 17 and 19.

Risks:
Due to the high amount of precipitation over the last two weeks stream flows are now above average and many inland lakes are at high springtime levels. Accordingly, discharge rates through dams and water control structures are also high for this time of year, some at or near maximum capacity. Water Managers continue to monitor water levels closely and make adjustments to limit, as much as possible, negative impacts while managing these excess flows. Many lake levels will remain elevated for several days.

Cataraqui Conservation is urging caution, particularly around all dams (inflow and outflow channels), fast-flowing watercourses, and stormwater ponds. 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.

Widespread flooding is NOT expected at this time. However, localized inundation of low-lying and poorly drained 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 will update statements as needed. This Watershed Conditions Statement will remain in effect until (or updated before) Wednesday, April 24, 2024, 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.