Water Levels Receding On Skootamatta Lake

Jul 12, 2023

It is suspected that a beaver dam breached upstream of Skootamatta Lake during a rainfall event on July 1st. This has caused water levels to rise quickly on the lake and exceed average spring and summer conditions, leading Quinte Conservation to issue a Water Safety Statement on July 5.

Staff at Quinte Conservation operated the Skootamatta Lake Dam to lower water levels to the typical summer range. Water levels downstream on the Skootamatta River rose over the next few dam, but did not lead to flooding on the river

Quinte Conservation continued to monitor and investigate the water levels, and additional dam operations were carried out to prevent damage to properties on Skootamatta Lake. Residents were requested to make sure that loose items, docks, and boats were removed or secured to the shoreline.

“There is significant beaver activity in the Skootamatta watershed. Beaver dam breaches are difficult to predict and can cause rapid changes in water levels and road washouts,” said Quinte, in a release

By early this week, the levels were on the decline, and the water safety warning was not renewed when it ran out on Tuesday, July 11.

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 www.quinteconservation.ca.