QUINTE CONSERVATION EXTENDS FLOOD OUTLOOK DUE TO ONGOING SPRING FRESHETS
This media release is an extension of the March 16th Flood Outlook Statement.
Weather forecasts for the Quinte Conservation Watershed predict dry but warm conditions from Friday to Sunday, with warming temperatures expected to stay above zero until Monday. Long range forecasts indicate above zero daytime temperatures moving forward, with nighttime freezing conditions becoming sporadic.
The Watersheds are currently experiencing the spring freshet on large river systems. River flows are in peak flow currently, running at about 75 percent bank full capacity. The freshet will last for several weeks and may include several peak events; the first occurring this weekend. Watershed conditions are fairly typical for this time of year. Snowmelt has been occurring slowly for several weeks, with almost all of the snowpack being lost south of Highway 7. North of Highway 7, a significant amount of snow remains with slightly above normal water content in the most northerly areas.
Stoco Lake, Moira River at Tweed, and Black River at Actinolite are currently high and may incrementally reach bank full conditions by Saturday before gradually receding by Monday. These residents should monitor conditions and inspect their properties over the next few days. Levels are not expected to impact habitable structures.
Nuisance flooding is likely to occur around small watercourses, urban areas, and ditches. Large river systems and inland lakes are not expected to flood at this time.
Unstable ice conditions are expected due to warming temperatures and higher flows. The public is advised to exercise extreme caution when near rivers and waterbodies and to stay away from open and fast flowing water, culverts, dams, ice covered water, and banks.
Residents in flood prone or low-lying areas are reminded to take the necessary precautions to protect their property. Please ensure sump pumps are in good working condition and to have easy access to a portable backup generator and pump. Help reduce ponding by keeping ditches, culverts, and storm drains clear from obstructions, and secure items that might float away as flows increase.
Staff will continue to monitor conditions. For current water levels or to report changes in water levels, residents are encouraged to visit QuinteConservation.ca.
A FLOOD OUTLOOK STATEMENT gives 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.
This message will be in effect until (or updated before) April 8, 2022
