Flood Icon indicating a Water Safety Statement

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 26, 2021

QUINTE CONSERVATION ISSUES A WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT DUE TO FORECAST RAIN AND WARM TEMPERATURES

Short-term weather forecasts are calling for rainfall amounts of between 35 to 40 millimetres between Friday and Sunday, with the heaviest rain on Friday. If the rainfall occurs as forecast, water levels and flows will increase significantly again across the Quinte Watershed. As such, a WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT is being issued due the possibility of nuisance flooding for low-lying areas along all waterways, especially near small creeks and streams.

Stream and river flow conditions are low to average for this time of year. Due to the current dry conditions and low amount of remaining snow, spring runoff peaks are not anticipated to rise to the levels that would cause significant flooding concerns.

Regions south of Hwy 7 have already experienced snow loss and a slight rise in water levels in small watercourses. Regions north of Hwy 7 can expect the remaining snow pack to melt out over the next few days, coupled with a rise in surface waters. Low lying areas in both regions may experience standing water. A rise in stream flow is immediately expected to be noticeable, and is expected to peak later next week.

Ice conditions are expected to deteriorate quickly during this period and can make for unstable banks and dangerous water conditions. Ice cover on lakes, rivers and streams may breakup as a result of warm temperatures, rain and high winds. The public is advised to stay away from open and fast flowing water, culverts, dams, ice covered water, and banks.

Residents are reminded to make sure their sump pumps are in good working condition and to help reduce ponding by keeping ditches, culverts, and storm drains clear from obstructions.

Staff will continue to monitor conditions. For current water levels or to report changes in water levels, residents are encouraged to visit QuinteConservation.ca.

This Watershed Conditions Statement will be in effect until (or updated before) April 9, 2021

Quinte Conservation is a community-based environmental protection agency. It serves 18 municipalities in the watersheds of the Moira, Napanee and Salmon Rivers and Prince Edward County. It provides cost-effective environmental expertise and leadership. Quinte Conservation’s main goal is to create a sustainable ecosystem where people and nature live in harmony. 

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For more information contact:

Dave Eastcott, Water Resources Technologist
(613) 968-3434 ext. 126 OR (613) 354-3312 ext. 126