water safety statement

Cataraqui Conservation has issued a Water Safety Statement due to the forecast for significant rainfall and is asking residents and visitors to the Cataraqui Region to exercise caution near shorelines and waterways.

Weather Situation: In areas near Lake Ontario, the possibility of as much as 20 to 40 mm of rain has been forecasted for later today (Tuesday, January 9), with the possibility of an additional 10 – 15 mm of rain across eastern Ontario early tomorrow (Wednesday, January 10).

Risks: Flows and water levels are mostly seasonal for this time of year. The forecasted rainfall is expected to occur over a relatively short period of time, resulting in higher runoff and increasing streamflows and water levels on inland lakes. Frozen ground conditions could also contribute to higher runoff, especially in areas devoid of snow.

Flows through dams will be elevated as Water Managers increase discharge to limit, as much as possible, the negative impacts from the expected inflows of additional water. Despite these operations, water levels are still expected to rise.

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.

A deterioration of ice conditions is expected. 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 water body.

Widespread flooding is NOT expected at this time. However, localized inundation of low-lying and poorly drained areas, and localized roadway ponding, can be expected. 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, January 17, 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