Quinte Conservation is advising residents of the potential for swollen creeks and nuisance flooding due to expected freezing rain and rain with melting snow.
Weather forecasts for the Quinte Watershed predict 20-30 mm of rainfall in the southern portions of the watershed and Prince Edward County on Wednesday. Areas north of Highway 7 are expected to receive 20-25 mm of freezing rainfall.
Warm temperatures on Wednesday will continue significant reductions in snowpack south of Highway 7. Prince Edward County may lose all of its remaining snowpack.
Runoff from recent rain and snowmelt has created a sudden rise in water levels on small creeks. Nuisance flooding is likely to occur around small watercourses, urban areas, and ditches. Large river systems and inland lakes are rising but not expected to flood at this time.
This winter has seen significant above average snow accumulation. Currently, the snowpack throughout the watershed has been dramatically reduced, with significant snow remaining in the wooded areas north of Highway 7.
Melting snow is expected to be the principal factor in this year’s freshet. Snowmelt in the southern regions over next 2 days is not expected to generate significant flooding issues.
Ice conditions may be compromised due to significant rain and higher flows.
Prince Edward County – Swollen small creeks and watercourses will rise to bankfull conditions and possibly inundate adjacent low-lying areas. Nuisance flooding is likely to persist for a few days. Water courses should peak within a few days and start to recede for the season.
Salmon and Napanee Watersheds – Major waterways have peaked from the weekend rains but are expected to resume rising with Wednesday’s rain. Bankfull or near bankfull conditions should be expected within a few days. Serious flooding is not expected. Nuisance flooding is likely to occur around creeks and small watercourses.
Moria Watershed – Freezing rain will be absorbed into the snowpack north of Highway 7. In southern areas, mixed precipitation of rain and freezing rain will melt out the remaining snowpack. Nuisance flooding is likely to occur around small watercourses.
The Moria River is expected to peak within a few days, well below flood stage. A second higher peak is likely to occur in a few weeks when the northern snowmelt resumes.
During the period of this advisory, all ice surfaces in all watersheds should be considered dangerous and should be avoided. 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. Localized flooding is possible in flood-prone and low-lying areas.
Residents in flood prone or low-lying areas are reminded to take the necessary precautions to protect their property. Ensure sump pumps are in good working condition and have access to a portable backup generator and pump. Help reduce ponding by keeping ditches, culverts, and storm drains clear from obstructions.
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) March 31.
Staff will continue to monitor conditions. For current water levels or to report changes in water levels, residents are encouraged to visit QuinteConservation.ca.
