Quinte Conservation has issued a water safety statement for the Clare River Watershed due to high water levels from a suspected beaver dam breach upstream of Mellon Lake.
Quinte Conservation suspects that a beaver dam breached following a 25mm rainfall event on Thursday, August 10.
The event has caused rising water levels on Mellon Lake and has exceeded typical spring conditions.
Quinte Conservation does not expect flooding on Stocco Lake or the Moira River.
Members of the public have reported significant debris on Mellon Lake and water levels have purportedly
overtopped the banks of the Clare River. Quinte Conservation recommends removing or securing loose
items, docks, and boats to the shoreline.
There is significant beaver activity in the Clare watershed. Beaver dam breaches are difficult to predict
and can cause rapid changes in water levels and road washouts. The Clare River Watershed is a natural
system and there are no actions that Quinte Conservation can take to alleviate high water levels. Water
levels will naturally subside in the coming days.
A water safety statement indicates that high flows, unsafe banks, melting ice, or other factors could
be dangerous for users such as anglers, boaters, swimmers, children, or pets. Flooding is not expected.
This message will be in effect until August 18, 2023.
