Quinte Conservation is advising residents that high river and lake levels are starting to recede, resulting in the removal of a Flood Watch for the area.
Seasonal water levels and flows will be reached over the next few weeks. Recent weather conditions of rainfall and warm temperatures produced a third phase of the freshet, causing elevated river and lake levels that have peaked at what is expected to be the high point for the spring.
The Quinte area weather forecast is mostly clear with no significant amounts of rain over the next 10 days. Accompanied with warm temperatures that will start on Wednesday, reductions in ponding and soil moisture saturation can be expected.
Watershed creeks and rivers are currently swollen from rain and snowmelt. Recent weather conditions have 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. The snowpack throughout the watershed has been nearly depleted with only isolated pockets remaining. All watercourses and lakes have now peaked and are starting to recede.
As water levels subside from the spring freshet, Quinte Conservation will be operating the seasonal dams for summer as conditions allow.
Risks:
Swollen, small creeks and watercourses may remain elevated but are currently receding from bankfull conditions. Watercourses may respond to possible rains within a day before continuing to recede to seasonal levels.
Major waterways are high but stable from rain and snowmelt experienced earlier in the month. Near bankfull conditions could be maintained next week. Serious flooding is not expected this spring. Nuisance flooding is likely to reoccur around creeks and small watercourses if significant rains are received.
Received rains have melted the remaining snowpack north of HWY 7. The Moira River and its northern tributaries (Black River, Skootamatta River and Moira River north of Tweed) have responded with a third higher peak, which is now receding. Higher flows may continue for several weeks.
Residents in flood prone or low-lying areas are reminded to remain vigilant to changes in water levels and weather forecasts while the water levels fall to normal seasonal levels. It is recommended to ensure sump pumps are in good working condition and have access to a portable backup generator and pump during this return to lower water levels. Ponding water can be avoided 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.
