Update: Flood Watch was lifted April 4, 2022, conditions have returned to normal status.
Cataraqui Conservation has issued an update to the Flood Watch issued March 23, 2022, for the Gananoque River System, providing details on the improving watershed conditions.
Weather Situation:
Seasonal temperatures are forecast for several days, the exception being a high exceeding 10 degrees Celsius on March 30. Precipitation forecasts are currently predicting 5 - 10mm+ of rain for March 30 – April 1.
Risks:
The situation is improving. Water levels in the areas targeted for this Flood Watch remain high but are experiencing small declines. Little snowpack remains to contribute to snowmelt runoff. The ground is still frozen which will result in high runoff rates from rainfall, but the forecasted rainfall is generally not expected to have much impact on water levels. Higher than expected rainfall amounts may result in small increases.
Areas targeted for this Flood Watch continue to include:
- 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)
Based on current conditions and forecasts, it is hoped that this Flood Watch can be lifted in the coming days.
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 (2 separate municipalities):
Residents in the Township of Rideau Lakes
Municipal storage dome at 1410 County Road 8 in Philipsville - call first (613-561-5367)
Residents in the Township of Leeds and the Thousand Islands
Main Township yard located at 1233 Prince Street in Lansdowne and at the Lyndhurst fire hall on County Road 33
Water Managers continue to regulate flows through water control structures and work together diligently to mitigate, as much as possible, the negative impacts from high inflows which must work their way down through the river system. Ice conditions continue to deteriorate.
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) Saturday, April 2, 2022, 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.