Quinte Conservation is advising local municipalities and watershed residents regarding changing conditions in local watersheds. Rainfall and warm temperatures have resulted in increased water levels in all watercourses. Smaller rivers and creeks have been rising for the last 24 hours and should peak today or tomorrow. These waterways have or will reach their normal spring levels.
Larger rivers will continue to rise for the next few days. While major flooding is not expected, increased flows create the potential for ice jams. Quinte Conservation personnel are monitoring watershed conditions closely. At this time there are no reports of roads flooding. Weather forecasts indicate that the rain should end late this afternoon, with temperatures ranging from minus 5 Celsius to plus 2 between now and Wednesday.
General Manager Terry Murphy says that ice conditions are unsafe everywhere because of the rain and increased flows in the rivers and streams. Murphy explains, "As the flows increase the ice erodes from underneath and you can't see that the depth of the ice has changed."
"Residents should take care to monitor their sump pumps and ensure they are in good condition during this type of weather because of local ponding water," reminds Murphy.
Parents and guardians are urged to keep children off the ice as it will be come unstable. Stream banks will be slippery and treacherous. Dams and other water control structures should be avoided at all times due to strong currents.
Quinte Conservation staff monitor water levels and weather forecasts carefully as part of the agency's flood forecasting and warning program. Quinte Conservation's area of concern includes the drainage basins of the Moira, Salmon and Napanee Rivers and their tributaries, and all of Prince Edward County.
A Watershed Conditions Bulletin is issued to raise awareness about a change or potential change in conditions on local waterways.
A High Water Advisory is issued when there is potential for flooding to occur in low-lying areas. Municipal flood coordinators are notified that the potential for flooding exists.
A Flood Warning is issued when there is impending flooding. A Flood Warning requires action that may include the activation of the municipal flood emergency plan, warning residents or businesses in specific affected areas, and in some cases evacuation.
For more information contact:
General Manager Quinte Conservation 613-968-3434 or 613-354-3312
Click here for