Kingston – Cataraqui Conservation has issued a Flood Watch today due to snowmelt and rainfall runoff, resulting in elevated flows and water levels and 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 March 16. More seasonal temperatures are expected today and tomorrow before temperatures rise again briefly March 19 and 20. An additional 5 – 10 mm+ of rainfall is forecast for March 20 and forecasts suggest the possibility of more rain 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
- Singleton 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.
Affected residents are advised that sand and bags are available at the following municipal locations (separate municipalities):
Residents in the Township of South Frontenac
2490 Keeley Rd, Sydenham – call first to schedule pick up 613-376-3027)
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 Leeds and the Thousand Islands
- 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 the Township of Athens
44 Elgin Street North - call first to schedule pick up (613-924-2044) sand only (no bags)
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 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 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
Media contact for more information:
Krista Fazackerley, Communications & Education Supervisor
(613) 546-4228 ext. 243
kfazackerley@crca.ca
Municipalities contact for more information:
Shawn Fairbank, Technologist, Water Resources
(613) 546-4228 ext. 284
sfairbank@crca.ca
Mallory Wright, Technologist, Water Resources
(613) 546-4228 ext. 234
mwright@crca.ca
Steve Knapton, Coordinator, Operations Planning
(613) 546-4228 ext. 223
sknapton@crca.ca
Toll-free (613 area code) 1-877-956-CRCA (2722)
