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 certain portions of the region.
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
Gananoque River System
- Upper Beverley Lake & Delta
- Lower Beverley Lake
- Singleton Lake
- Charleston Lake
- Gananoque Lake
- Gananoque River – the reach between Marble Rock Dam downstream to the 401 causeway (includes Marble Rock Road)
*Connected lakes and watercourses, associated with the above list, may also be affected.
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)
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 Leeds and the Thousand Islands
Main Township yard located at 1233 Prince Street in Lansdowne - call first 613-659-2415
Residents in the Township of Athens
Call first to schedule pick up (613-924-2044) sand only (no bags)
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.
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.
Staff will continue to monitor conditions and forecasts and update statements as needed. This Flood Watch will remain in effect until (or updated before) Wednesday, May 10, 2023, 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.
(May 1, 2023)