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Flood ‘watch’ for Bay of Quinte and Lake Ontario

A flood ‘outlook’ has been upgraded to a ‘watch’ for the Bay of Quinte and Lake Ontario.

“Yesterday, Lake Ontario’s water levels were 38 cm above average for this time of year,” said Christine McClure, Water Resources Manager. “There is a 50 per cent chance that water levels will rise another 15 cm, or greater, throughout the next week.”

She said inflow from Lake Erie, local inflow, and downstream flooding are contributing to the rise in Lake Ontario water levels.

“Lake Erie was recorded yesterday with record highs for this time of year. Long- term, above average inflow to Lake Ontario from Lake Erie will continue.”

Lake Ontario and Lake Erie are expected to continue to rise as heavy precipitation has been forecasted for later this week.

Major flooding continues on the St. Lawrence River, with Ottawa River flows being at a record high.

Water levels are expected to rise throughout the spring and shoreline residents can expect above average water levels into the summer months.

Flood ‘outlook’ for Bay of Quinte and Lake Ontario; watershed warning continues

APRIL 26 – Lake Ontario rose 15 cms over the last week and Quinte Conservation predicts there is a 50 per cent chance lake levels will rise over 15 cms in the week to follow.

“Lake Levels are not expected to reach 2017 levels based on current forecasts,” said Christine McClure, Water Resources Manager. “This rise in lake levels is in response to recent significant and forecasted rainfalls and the spring freshet on the Ottawa and St. Lawrence Rivers. In addition, Lake Erie is contributing above average inflows to Lake Ontario.”

She notes high winds during periods of elevated lake levels can cause shoreline erosion.

The flood warning issued for the Quinte Conservation watershed remains in effect.

The ground remains saturated, while wetlands and low lying areas are already filled with water, said McClure. “This will cause rainfall to quickly run off into watercourses.”

Several rivers outside of the County have peaked, and some have exceeded 2017 water levels.

Localized road washouts have been reported throughout the Quinte Watershed. Residents are recommended to check in with their municipalities for updates on road closures and recommended to obey all road closures and signs.

Quinte Conservation upgrades watch to flood warning

APRIL 22 – While the Quinte Conservation Watershed received less than the anticipated rainfall of 65 mm over the Easter weekend, it has upgraded its flood watch to a warning for several areas.

Lake Ontario could rise approximately 20 cm over the next two weeks, said Christine McClure, Water Resources Manager, noting high winds during periods of elevated lake levels could cause shoreline erosion.

She said just over 15 mm of rainfall was recorded in the southern portions of the watershed. Much higher levels were reported in other areas of the watershed.

It is expected rivers in the northern region of the Moira and the Salmon watersheds will approach 2014 flood levels.

“Stoco Lake is approaching a one in 100-year return period flood (this is the regulatory flood for the Quinte Conservation Watershed that has a one per cent probability of occurring in any given year). Lake levels are not expected to exceed 2014 levels.

Beaver Lake in the Napanee Region Watershed is approaching a one in 100-year flood and 2014 water levels.

The Moira River, downstream of Stoco Lake, and the Napanee River, will not surpass 2014 flood levels; however, the rain anticipated for April 23rd will extend water level peak times on these rivers.

Moira Lake levels will be well below 2014 highs.

It is expected that Foxboro will not surpass a one in 10-year flood. Properties that normally flood will. Residents are advised to take the necessary precautions to protect their property.

Localized road washouts have been reported throughout the Quinte Watershed. Residents are recommended to check in with their municipalities and to obey all road closures and signs.

Quinte Conservation does not provide sandbags to residents. Contact the municipality or hardware store.

Heavy rainfall forecast brings flood watch for region

APRIL 18 – Approximately 35-65 mm of rainfall expected from Thursday to Saturday brings a flood watch to the Quinte Conservation Watershed.

At this time, water levels are not expected to reach the same as in 2014. Areas that annually experience localized flooding will likely see that again this spring.

“There is uncertainty in the storm track and in exactly how much rain will be received, but it is possible that some regions may experience more than the anticipated 65 mm,” said Christine McClure, watershed resources manager.

Most of the rain is expected Friday and into Saturday morning.

“River levels are approaching, or have reached, the top of the banks. Saturated soils from previous rainfall events over the last few weeks will not allow for much rainwater to penetrate the ground. The majority of rain will runoff into the rivers and create additional surface ponding in low lying areas.

She expects river flows throughout all of Quinte Conservation’s watersheds will exceed typical spring levels.

“Rivers will respond quickly and waterfront property owners on the Moira, Salmon, Napanee, Black, and Skootamatta Rivers who experience periodic flooding should take the necessary precautions to protect their property.”

The public is reminded that Quinte Conservation does not provide sandbags to residents. If you require sandbags, contact your local municipality or hardware store.

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, residents are encouraged to visit QuinteConservation.ca

Filed Under: Local News

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