Cataraqui Conservation Flood Watch Update | March 12

News Release

Kingston – Cataraqui Conservation has updated its Flood Watch today for inland lakes and streams.

Weather Situation:
The spring freshet (snowmelt) period is at an advanced stage. The region experienced 10 degree C+ temperatures on March 7, March 9, and March 10, accompanied by rainfall on March 7. More recently, 4 to 15mm of rain fell on March 11. The amount of rainfall received from the March 11 event was considerably less than the 20 to 40mm+ forecasted.

The weather forecasts suggest we might see mixed precipitation on Friday, March 13, and again Sunday, March 15 changing to rain on Monday, March 16 when the temperature briefly rises above zero before dropping back below zero for a few days.

Conditions:
Following recent rapid snowmelt and rainfall many streamflows have stabilized at elevated levels. Some have begun a downward trend.

Many inland lake levels, however, are above average for this time of year and continue to rise.

Most of the snowpack is gone in the Cataraqui region. Although the ground is thawing, it has limited ability to infiltrate additional rainfall due to saturation from recent snowmelt and rainfall runoff.

Water Managers continue to monitor water levels closely and make discharge adjustments to maintain target water levels. Water management cannot prevent flooding. It seeks to balance negative impacts, as much as possible, as excess water moves through the system. Target water levels generally trend upward through March to prepare for the summer recreation season.

Risks:
Additional rainfall forecast for Monday, March 16 could sustain or accelerate current water level increases on inland lakes and could get streamflows rising again, potentially back up to current, elevated levels.

Widespread flooding is NOT expected at this time and the high levels, comparable to those experienced during 2014 and 2017 high-water periods, are no longer expected in the coming days. However, flooding of low-lying areas and localized roadway inundation is possible andoccurring where drainage infrastructure is overwhelmed and at some creek crossings. 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.
The following Water Survey of Canada gauged creeks are high for this time of year:

• Wilton Creek
• Millhaven Creek
• Collins Creek

Though high for this time of year, Little Cataraqui Creek West Branch and Buells Creek flows peaked late yesterday (March 11) and are falling quickly.
Specific locations associated with managed waterbodies where water levels are well above normal for this time of year include*:

• Gananoque River System
• Upper Beverley Lake & Delta (MNR)
• Lower Beverley Lake (MNR)
• 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.Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR)
E-mail: kemptville-kingston.mnrf@ontario.ca

2.Portage Power (PP)
E-mail: info@portagepower.com

Additionally, if you wish to request additional information from one of the other local water management groups, use the following contact info:

1.Parks Canada
E-mail: rideau@pc.gc.ca
More information is available here: https://parks.canada.ca/lhn-nhs/on/rideau/info/infonet

2.Cataraqui Conservation
E-mail: info@crca.ca

The consistently cold temperatures this winter resulted in thicker ice cover on lakes and streams. Ice cover has been melting and breaking up. Localized ice jam flooding remains a possibility, especially in areas with a history of ice jamming. There is also the possibility of shoreline damage (e.g., to docks) from the thick lake ice, especially where ice is still attached to the shore.

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.

Ice conditions, where ice is still present, continue to deteriorate rapidly. Cataraqui Conservation does not measure ice thickness for advising the public about ice conditions for recreational activities. Ice conditions can vary considerably from one waterbody to the next and within a single waterbody. No ice is without some risk. Visit lifesaving.org for ice safety information.

Staff will continue to monitor conditions and forecasts and will update statements as needed. This Flood Watch will remain in effect until (or updated before) Wednesday, March 18, 2026, 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.