Watershed Conditions Statement – Flood Outlook – Local Creeks
Lower Trent Conservation advises municipalities and the public that a Flood Outlook Statement has been issued for the local creeks within Lower Trent Watershed region (area stretching for Grafton to Quinte West and from Lake Ontario to Rice Lake and east to Centre Hastings). It is important to note that during this time high water levels unsafe banks or other factors could be dangerous for recreational users and waterfront land, owners. Nuisance flooding for some may occur.
A series of low-pressure systems are forecasted to traverse through the watershed over the next several days. Air temperatures are expected to be well above normal into the high single digits and total rainfall amounts of 25-45mm are forecasted.
Water levels and flows along our local creeks and streams are average for this time of year. The forecasted rainfall and active snowmelt on potentially frozen or saturated soils will result in runoff causing higher than normal flows and water levels in all watercourses within the Lower Trent Conservation watershed.
While the potential dangers presented by rivers, small streams and open ditches never cease to exist, they are of particular concern during these conditions. Water currents could be strong and temperatures are still cold. Additionally, river ice may start to break up and flow downstream. Minor ice jams are possible under these conditions; however, the volume of ice formed at this point in the season should not lead to significant ice jam concerns. Parents and caregivers are advised to keep children and pets away from all waterways. Areas around dams, culverts and bridges should be avoided at all times.
Lower Trent Conservation monitors water levels and weather forecasts closely as part of its flood forecasting and warning program. Daily water level updates are available at www.LTC.on.ca. If you have concerns about water levels, please contact Lower Trent Conservation at (613) 394-4829. Anyone having concerns about water levels on the Trent River can contact Parks Canada (705)-750-4950 or [email protected].
