FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 20, 2019
QUINTE CONSERVATION UPDATES FLOOD OUTLOOK STATEMENT
Weather forecasted across the Quinte Conservation Watershed over the next week and a half will typically include small amounts of precipitation with above freezing temperatures during the day and below freezing at night. This will allow the existing snowpack to slowly melt.
Water Resources Manager, Christine McClure says, “Rivers rose in response to last weekend’s snowmelt and precipitation, and it is expected that the forecasted slow snowmelt will sustain river flows.”
Up to 90 mm of water is being retained in snowpack in the upper reaches of Quinte Conservation’s Watershed.
McClure adds, “There is a potential for ice breakups and ice jamming, however, this risk is low. The public is encouraged to report any flooding or ice jamming by following the link under flood information on our website.”
Staff will continue to monitor conditions and will provide an update if forecasts and conditions change. For current water levels or to report any observations of flooding or ice jamming, residents are encouraged to visit QuinteConservation.ca.
The public is reminded to stay off ice and avoid river banks and shorelines.
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) Friday, March 29, 2019.