Quinte Conservation is advising residents of the potential for high river and lake levels to continue into the next two weeks due in part to rainfall on snowmelt.
Recent weather conditions of rainfall and warm temperatures produced a second phase of the freshet, causing elevated river and lake levels and triggering an extension of the current Flood Watch.
The Quinte area may receive significant amounts of rain within the next 10 days, resulting in the continuing of significant snowpack reductions north of HWY 7.
QC officials say the recent weather has caused water levels to rise quickly and generate nuisance flooding around small watercourses, urban areas, and ditches. Large river systems and inland lakes have responded quickly to the additional water inputs.
Ice conditions should be considered compromised due to significant rain and higher flows.
Risks: Prince Edward County: Swollen, small creeks and watercourses may remain close to bankfull conditions and possibly inundate adjacent low-lying areas. Nuisance flooding is likely to be a risk for a few days following any significant rainfall. Watercourses may respond to possible rains within a day before continuing to recede to seasonal levels.
Salmon and Napanee Watersheds: Major waterways are high but stable from rain and snowmelt experienced earlier in the month. Bankfull or near bankfull conditions could be maintained next week. Serious flooding is not expected. Nuisance flooding is likely to reoccur around creeks and small watercourses if significant rains are received.
Moira Watershed: Received rains have accelerated the melting of the remaining snowpack north of HWY 7. Future snowmelt and water release is dependent on air temperature and rainfall volumes over the next two weeks. The Moira River and its northern tributaries
(Black River, Skootamatta River and Moira River north of Tweed) have responded with a second higher peak, with the potential to rise again to reach flood stage next week if weather conditions of warm temperatures and notable rainfall occur. Higher flows may continue for several weeks into April.
Actions: 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.
This level notifies that the potential for flooding exists within specific watercourses and municipalities. Municipalities, emergency services and individual landowners in flood-prone areas should prepare.
This advisory will be in effect until (or updated before) April 24.
