Cataraqui Conservation Flood Watch Update | March 17

Flood Watch Downgraded to Water Safety Statement for Inland Lakes & Streams

Cataraqui Conservation has downgraded the Flood Watch to a Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety today due to improving conditions throughout the watershed.

Weather Situation:

On March 16, air temperatures peaked above 10 degrees C, followed by rain and snowfall. Temperatures have since dropped below zero again and a fresh blanket of snow remains.

Sub-zero temperatures are expected March 17 & 18 before fluctuating around the zero mark March 19 to 22, possibly accompanied by some snow and/or rainfall.

Conditions:

The flow in most gauged streams has fallen significantly from the elevated levels observed March 10th. However, flows remain high, about two times the normal levels for March .

Many inland lake levels are above average for this time of year and discharge rates through dams remain high.

Cataraqui Conservation’s snow surveys on March 16 found very little snowpack remaining. Unfrozen and wet ground conditions were observed. The wet condition of the soil is an indication of its limited ability to infiltrate runoff. The fresh thin blanket of snow could provide some insulation, but sub-zero temperatures over the next couple days could cause the ground to start freezing again, further reducing infiltration potential.

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:

The main consideration now is water safety. Creeks and lakes are expected to accommodate the rain currently forecast for the next week without flooding. Flow in some watercourses such as the Gananoque River, and discharge rates through dams, remain high.

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.

Flooding is NOT expected. However, continued localized inundation of some low-lying areas is possible.

If you witness flooding and/or require assistance, your first point of contact is the local municipality. Sand and sandbag availability and location information is provided at the bottom of this statement.

Requests for additional information associated with 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
   
   
3. Parks Canada
   E-mail: rideau@pc.gc.ca
   More information is available here: https://parks.canada.ca/lhn-nhs/on/rideau/info/infonet
   
   
4. 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.

Ice conditions, where ice is still present, have deteriorated considerably. 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 Watershed Conditions Statement will remain in effect until (or updated before) Wednesday, April 1, 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.

Affected residents are advised of the following sand and sandbag availability and location information (separate municipalities):

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 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

Residents in the Township of Elizabethtown-Kitley
Contact the Township if you have questions about sandbag supplies

Residents in the Township of Front of Yonge
Contact the Township if you have questions about sandbag supplies https://mallorytown.ca/contact/

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 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 Township of Leeds and the Thousand Islands (2 locations)

Main Township yard located at 1233 Prince Street in Lansdowne
North yard located at 312 Lyndhurst Rd in 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 Loyalist Township
Contact the Township if you have questions about sandbag supplies

Residents in the Town of Greater Napanee
Contact the Town if you have questions about sandbag supplies

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 South Frontenac
2490 Keeley Rd, Sydenham – call first to schedule pick up (613-376-3027)