Cataraqui Conservation Issues Flood Watch for Inland Lakes & Streams

Kingston – Cataraqui Conservation has issued a Flood Watch today due to snowmelt and rainfall runoff, resulting in elevated flows and water levels and an increased likelihood of flooding in certain portions of the region.

Weather Situation: We had above-normal temperatures over the weekend and about 15-25 mm+ of rain on March 16. More seasonal temperatures are expected today and tomorrow before temperatures rise again briefly on March 19 and 20. An additional 5 – 10 mm+ of rainfall is forecast for March 20 and forecasts suggest the possibility of more rain on March 24 and 25.

Risks: Runoff from rapid snowmelt and rainfall has resulted in high flows on watercourses and high water levels on inland lakes. As well, lake levels will continue to rise for several days. Water Managers have increased discharge and continue to monitor levels closely to limit, as much as possible, negative impacts from the rainfall-runoff.

Widespread flooding is NOT expected. However, flooding of low-lying areas IS expected.

Specific locations where water levels are well above normal seasonal averages include*:

Cataraqui Watershed

• Loughborough Lake
• Buck Lake
• Canoe Lake
• Kingsford Lake
• Devil Lake
• Newboro Lake
• Opinicon Lake
• Sand Lake
• Cranberry Lake
• Dog Lake
• Colonel By Lake

Gananoque River System

• Upper Beverley Lake & Delta
• Lower Beverley Lake
• Singletone Lake
• Charleston lake
• Gananoque Lake
• Gananoque River – the reach between Marble Rock Dam downstream to the 401 causeway (includes Marble Rock Road)

*Connected lakes and watercourses, associated with the above list, may also be affected.

Localized roadway inundations have been reported in the City of Kingston.

Residents in flood-prone or low-lying areas, historically susceptible to flooding, are advised to remove items stored in the floodplains of area watercourses and lakes.

If you witness flooding and/or require assistance your first point of contact is the local municipality.

Cataraqui Conservation is urging caution around all dams (inflow and outflow channels) and fast-flowing watercourses. Respect the hazards in these areas by obeying all warning signs, and keep away from booms, buoys and barriers. Stay well back from the water’s edge above and below dams and hydroelectric stations. Creek banks and lake shorelines may be slippery, increasing the chance of falling in.

Staff will continue to monitor conditions and forecasts, and update statements as needed. This Flood Watch will remain in effect until (or updated before) Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at 11:59 PM.

For up-to-date flooding information, please visit our flood forecasting and information page at https://cataraquiconservation.ca/pages/flood