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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
July 5, 2023
QUINTE CONSERVATION ISSUES A WATER SAFETY STATEMENT ON THE SKOOTAMATTA LAKE AND SKOOTAMATTA RIVER DUE TO HIGHER WATER LEVELS FROM SUSPECTED BREACHED BEAVER DAM
It is suspected that a beaver dam breached upstream of Skootamatta Lake during a rainfall event on July 1st. This has caused water levels to rise quickly on the lake and exceed average spring and summer conditions.
Staff at Quinte Conservation have operated the Skootamatta Lake Dam to lower water levels to the typical summer range. Water levels downstream on the Skootamatta River are expected to rise in the coming days. Flooding on the river is not expected.
Quinte Conservation will continue to monitor and investigate the water levels. Additional dam operations will be carried out, if necessary, to prevent damage to properties on Skootamatta Lake. Loose items, docks, and boats should be removed or secured to the shoreline.
There is significant beaver activity in the Skootamatta watershed. Beaver dam breaches are difficult to predict and can cause rapid changes in water levels and road washouts.
A WATER SAFETY STATEMENT indicates that high flows, unsafe banks, melting ice or other factors could be dangerous for users such as anglers, boaters, swimmers, children, or pets. Flooding is not expected.
This message will be in effect until (or updated before) July 11, 2023.
Quinte Conservation is a community-based environmental protection agency. It serves 18 municipalities in the watersheds of the Moira, Napanee and Salmon Rivers and Prince Edward County. It provides cost-effective environmental expertise and leadership. Quinte Conservation’s main goal is to create a sustainable ecosystem where people and nature live in harmony. More information about Quinte Conservation is available at www.quinteconservation.ca.
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For more information contact:
Christine Phillibert, Water Resources Manager
(613) 968-3434 ext. 130 OR (613) 354-3312 ext. 130
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