Weather Statements Issued to Residents

Jeff Green | Feb 28, 2024

Three of the four Conservation Authorities with territory in Frontenac and Lennox and Addington Counties issued statements or warnings on Monday (February 26) about the impact of warm temperatures and heavy rain this week.

Cataraqui Conservation (CRCA) issued an updated water conditions water conditions statement for inland lakes and streams.

In it, they said “the spring freshet (smowmelt) has arrived early this year,” before noting that after warm temperatures and rain early this week, a short cold spell will be followed by “a sustained period of warmth beginning March 1st.”

The statement said that streamflows are about normal for this time of year, the snow water equivalent in snowpack is below normal, but since the ground remains frozen, “Inland lakes and streams may rise quickly due to higher runoff over frozen ground. If the rainfall that’s received is in the higher end of the forecasted range some water levels may exceed those seen during a typical spring freshet.”

Cataraqui Conservation is therefore “urging caution when considering activities on the ice, particularly around all dams (inflow and outflow channels), fast-flowing watercourses, and stormwater ponds.”

They also say creekbank and lake shorelines may be slippery, increasing the chance of falling in.

They do not expect widespread flooding at this time, but “localised inundations of low lying and poorly drained areas is possible.”

The statement will remain in effect until March 13 unless updated before then.

RVCA issues Warning

The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA) noted the same set of conditions as CRCA did in their statement. In addition they said that “flooding is possible on smaller creeks and streams in the Rideau Valley Watershed, including Stevens Creek and any connected creeks or ditches (near North Gower) which are highly susceptible to spring flooding This short-term forecast does not suggest flooding will occur along the Rideau River, however the elevated water levels and flows will make the region more susceptible to flooding if another storm event occurs in the near future.”

Although widespread flooding is not anticipated at this time, particularly at the top of the watershed in Central and South Frontenac, the RVCA urges residents to: ensure sump pumps are clear and in working order, there is access to portable generators where necessary, downspouts are clear, items are not left out to drift off if water flows increase, etc.

“With the expected temperature shift over the coming days, ice cover on lakes, ditches, local streams and rivers will be unstable. Extreme caution should be exercised by everyone when near local waterbodies. Parents should inform their children of the risks and provide appropriate supervision,” the RVCA said.

Thie RVAC watershed conditions statement is in effect until Monday, March 4 unless an update is n issued.

Mississippi Valley

The Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority (MVCA) does not anticipate flooding at this time, but “is reminding residents to exercise extreme caution near rivers and waterbodies that have high flows and slippery bank conditions.”

They are concerned about the drastic changes in ice thickness that results from increased water flow and rising temperatures.

“The shoreline adjacent to lakes, rivers and creeks is very slippery and poses a serious hazard.  Falling into open water could result in hypothermia or drowning. No ice is safe ice. Rainfall can cause ice jams to occur along the river.  This can cause water levels to rise rapidly without warning,” the statement said.

The message will be in effect until March 11.

Those looking to check daily water levels in the Mississippi River watershed can find that information on the MVCA website - http://mvc.on.ca/water-levels/.