Above seasonal warm temperatures have been forecasted for the next 10 days, with a storm system delivering 25-35 mm of rain expected to start Saturday and continue through to Monday. It is predicted that higher temperatures and rain will contribute to the total melt out of the remaining snow pack in the northern regions of the Moira watershed (north of HWY 7) within this time frame. Although almost all snow and ice have already melted south of HWY 7, the area of the upper Moira watershed still contains a significant snow pack. This will result in a rapid rise in the Black, Skootamatta, and the Moira River upstream of Stoco Lake. Small creeks and low lying areas may experience high water levels as well.
The watershed's upper lakes and tributaries may experience localized flooding.
The area around Moira River at Actinolite may possibly be at risk for minor flooding mid next week. Residents and property owners that annually experience localized flooding should prepare now.
Water Resources Technician Dave Eastcott says, "Rivers will respond quickly and waterfront property owners on the Moira, Salmon, Black, and Skootamatta Rivers who experience annual periodic flooding should closely monitor the conditions in order to protect their property."
The flood risk is low for the Moira River at Foxboro. It is possible that the river may slightly exceed full bank conditions. It is estimated that the maximum peak river flows will occur within 7 days.
A similar snow melt will occur in the upper Salmon River watershed. The watershed's upper lakes and tributaries may experience elevated levels.
As there is very little remaining snow in the Napanee watershed, the flood risk is low at this time.
There is no overland flood concern in Prince Edward County at this time. Advisories about Lake Ontario remain in effect and unchanged.
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.
A FLOOD OUTLOOK STATEMENT gives early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts calling for heavy rain, snow melt, high wind or other conditions that could lead to high runoff, cause ice jams, lake shore flooding or erosion.
This message will be in effect until (or updated before) April 3, 2020
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
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Report your observations of high water on Lake Ontario or the Bay of Quinte
For more information:
Christine McClure
Water Resources Manager
cmcclure@quinteconservation.ca
(613) 968-3434 or (613) 354-3312 ext. 130