Cataraqui Conservation has updated the current Flood Watch today due to rainfall forecast for Saturday April 5, 2025.
Weather Situation: The Cataraqui Region saw 16 - 32 mm of precipitation fall, mostly as rain, over the period of April 2 - 3. An additional 10 - 25 mm of rain is forecast for April 4, followed by what is expected to be relatively dry conditions for several days. Some additional rain is possible starting April 10.
Conditions: Streamflows have responded to the recent rainfall, but not dramatically. Urban creeks peaked (stabilized) soon after the rainfall ended and are declining quickly. Larger creeks are peaking, and some have already begun to fall. Streamflows on many gauged creeks are in the range of about 2.5 time normal, similar to the level following the March 28 - 30 precipitation events. This still leave some room for the next rainfall event.
Water levels on managed lakes have risen from the recent rainfall. Water managers have been aggressively managing outflows to prepare, as much as possible, for additional rainfall. Some managed lakes remain well above normal.
The ground has limited ability to absorb precipitation due to higher saturation following recent rainfall. This will continue to lead to enhanced runoff to streams and lakes during rainfall events.
Risks: The forecasted rain is expected to cause streamflows to rise, possibly to levels observed following the March 15 & 16 snowmelt and rainfall event. If the higher rainfall amounts materialize, higher than normal peak spring flows and levels remain a possibility, as well as localized impacts such as minor roadway inundation and the filling of floodplain areas.
Widespread flooding is NOT expected. However, flooding of low-lying areas is occurring and could persist for several days.
Specific locations that may experience or are already experiencing water levels well above normal seasonal averages include*:
Cataraqui Watershed:
- Loughborough Lake (PP)
- Buck Lake (PP)
- Canoe Lake (PP)
- Kingsford Lake (pp)
- Devil Lake (PP)
- Newboro Lake (PC)
- Opinicon Lake (PC)
- Sand Lake (PC)
- Cranberry Lake (PC)
- Dog Lake (PC)
- Colonel By Lake (PC)
Gananoque River System:
- Upper Beverley Lake & Delta (MNR)
- Lower Beverley Lake (MNR)
- Singleton Lake (MNR)
- Charleston Lake (PP)
- Gananoque Lake (PP)
- 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:
- Parks Canada (PC)
Email: rideau@pc.gc.ca
More info is available here: https://parks.canada.ca/lhn-nhs/on/rideau/info/infonet
- Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR)
Email: kemptville-kingston.mnrf@ontario.ca
- Portage Power (PP)
Email: info@portagepower.com
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.
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, April 16, 2025. at 11:59 PM.
For up-to-date flooding information, please visit our flood forecasting and information page at https://cataraquiconservation.ca/pages/flood.
Affected residents are advised that sand 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 Phillipsville - 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
North yard located at 312 Lyndhurst Rd. in Lyndhurst
At both location, clean sand stored in two yellow covered containers. Bags, a shovel, and a filling cone available for public use. -
Residents in the Township of Athens
44 Elgin St. North - call first to schedule pick-up 613-924-2044. Sand only, no bags. -
Residents in the City of Kingston
Creekford Rd. 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 on site. -
Residents of 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 Township of Augusta
Call 613-925-4231 x201 if you have questions about sandbag supplies. -
Residents in the City of Brockville
Contact the City if you have questions about sandbag supplies.