2024 - 03 - 08 Quinte Conservation Issues A Watershed Conditions Statement - Water Safety Statement

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 8, 2024

QUINTE CONSERVATION ISSUES A WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT – WATER SAFETY STATEMENT

Warm temperatures and spring-like weather conditions have initiated the annual spring freshet in the Quinte watershed.

Snowmelt has been occurring over the last couple weeks, with almost all the snowpack being lost throughout most of the watershed. Anticipated river peaks brought about by the melting snow and spring rains are not anticipated to produce a significant risk of flooding, but does bring associated dangers.

All remaining ice surfaces should be considered unstable due to warming temperatures and higher flows. The public is advised to exercise extreme caution when near rivers and waterbodies and to stay away from open and fast flowing water, culverts, dams, ice covered water, and banks.

Quinte Conservation recommends securing loose items, docks, and boats to the shoreline or removing them during these types of events.

Staff will continue to monitor conditions. For current water levels or to report changes in water levels, residents are encouraged to visit quinteconservation.ca.

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) Tuesday, March 19, 2024.

About Quinte Conservation

Quinte Conservation is a community-based environmental protection agency that serves 18 municipalities in the watersheds of the Moira, Napanee and Salmon Rivers, and Prince Edward County. Our programs, services and working alongside residents 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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