Cataraqui Conservation: Flood Watch Issued for Inland Lakes & Streams

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

Weather Situation: The spring freshet (snowmelt) period is underway. The region experienced 10 degree C+ temperatures on Saturday, March 7, accompanied by 6 to 20mm of rain. Some localized areas may have seen rainfall amounts of 30mm+.

An additional 23 to 45mm of rainfall is forecast for the period of Tuesday, March 10 to Thursday, March 12. Current forecasts are suggesting the bulk of precipitation will fall as liquid rain, mostly on Wednesday, March 11.

Temperatures are expected to stay above zero until Thursday, March 12, with daytime highs approaching or exceeding 10 degrees C on March 9 and 10. Starting Thursday, March 12, temperatures are expected to stay mostly below zero for several days.

Conditions: Streamflows and lakes levels are rising from recent rainfall and ongoing snowmelt runoff. Many gauged creeks are seeing high levels with Water Survey of Canada gauged creeks seeing all-time highs for March 9.

A portion of the original snowpack remains in-place and will continue a rapid melt during the warm days ahead. The ground has limited ability to infiltrate since it is either still partially frozen and/or nearly saturated from recent rainfall and ongoing snowmelt.

Water Managers continue to monitor water levels closely and make discharge adjustments to maintain target water levels. Water management cannot prevent flooding. It seeks to balance negative impacts, as much as possible, as excess water moves through the system. Target water levels generally trend upward through March to prepare for the summer recreation season.

Risks: Runoff from snowmelt and rainfall over the coming days will result in further increases to streamflows and lake levels. Levels could rise quickly, especially if the higher forecasted rainfall amounts materialize. In some locations we could see streamflows and water levels not seen in many years (e.g., 2014 and 2017 high-water periods).

Widespread flooding is NOT expected at this time. However, flooding of low-lying areas is expected. Localized roadway inundation is possible where drainage infrastructure is overwhelmed and at some creek crossings. 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.

Specific gauged creeks already experiencing all-time high flows for March 09 include:

• Wilton Creek
• Millhaven Creek
• Collins Creek
• Lyn Creek

Additionally, Little Cataraqui Creek West Branch and Buells Creek are much above normal. Further flow and water level increases are anticipated.

Millhaven Creek flow through the village of Sydenham, immediately downstream of Sydenham Lake Dam is currently about normal but is expected to become elevated in the coming days from snowmelt and rainfall runoff that will raise the water level in the lake and increase discharge downstream.

Specific locations that could see water levels well above normal seasonal averages include*:

• Upper Beverley Lake & Delta
• Lower Beverley 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 lists, may also be affected.

Watch for additional locations added to the above lists in subsequent flood message updates.

The consistently cold temperatures this winter have resulted in thicker ice cover on lakes and streams. Ice cover will weaken and may begin to break up and move leading to possible localized ice jam flooding, especially in areas with a history of ice jamming. There’s also the possibility of shoreline damage (e.g., to docks) from the thick ice, especially where it’s still attached to the shore.

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.

Ice conditions will deteriorate rapidly during warmer temperatures. Cataraqui Conservation does not measure ice thickness for advising the public about ice conditions for recreational activities. Ice conditions can vary considerably from one waterbody to the next and within a single waterbody. No ice is without some risk. Visit lifesaving.org for ice safety information.

Staff will continue to monitor conditions and forecasts and will update statements as needed. This Flood Watch will remain in effect until (or updated before) Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at 11:59 PM.

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

Affected residents are advised of the following sand and sandbag availability and location information (separate municipalities):

Residents in the Township of Athens: 44 Elgin Street North – call first to schedule pick up (613-924-2044) sand only (no bags).

Residents in the Township of Augusta: Call 613-925-4231 x 201 if you have questions about sandbag supplies.

Residents in the City of Brockville: Contact the City if you have questions about sandbag supplies.

Residents in the Township of Elizabethtown-Kitley: Contact the Township if you have questions about sandbag supplies.

Residents in the Township of Front of Yonge: Contact the Township if you have questions about sandbag supplies https://mallorytown.ca/contact/.

Residents in the Town of Gananoque: Public Works Yard Waste Depot located at the end of James A. Brennan Road – call first (613-382-4422).

Residents in the City of Kingston: Creekford Road Public Works site. Residents should submit a request through Contact Us https://www.cityofkingston.ca/city-hall/contact-us , or call 613-546-0000, and arrangements can be made to have someone meet them on site.

Residents in the Township of Leeds and the Thousand Islands (2 locations)
Main Township yard located at 1233 Prince Street in Lansdowne
North yard located at 312 Lyndhurst Rd in in Lyndhurst
At both locations, clean sand stored in two yellow covered containers. Bags, a shovel, and a filling cone available for public use.

Residents in Loyalist Township: Contact the Township if you have questions about sandbag supplies.

Residents in the Town of Greater Napanee: Contact the Town if you have questions about sandbag supplies.

Residents in the Township of Rideau Lakes: Municipal storage dome at 1410 County Road 8 in Philipsville – call first (613-349-2314).

Residents in the Township of South Frontenac: 2490 Keeley Rd, Sydenham – call first to schedule pick up (613-376-3027).