Quinte Conservation says flood risks across the region are beginning to ease as river and lake levels start to return to normal seasonal conditions.
Officials say recent rainfall and warm temperatures created a third phase of the spring freshet, causing elevated water levels across local watersheds. That rise is now believed to have reached its peak, with all major watercourses and inland lakes beginning to recede.
The conservation authority says the weather forecast for the next 10 days calls for mostly clear conditions with no significant rainfall expected. Combined with warmer temperatures beginning this week, officials expect ponding and saturated ground conditions to gradually improve.
Large river systems including the Moira, Salmon, and Napanee watersheds responded quickly to the recent rain and snowmelt, while smaller creeks and urban drainage systems also saw nuisance flooding in some areas.
In Prince Edward County, smaller creeks and watercourses remain elevated but are receding from near bankfull conditions. In the Salmon and Napanee watersheds, waterways remain high but stable, with serious flooding not expected this spring.
Quinte Conservation says higher flows may continue for several weeks in parts of the Moira watershed, particularly north of Highway 7, but conditions are improving.
Residents in low lying and flood prone areas are still being asked to stay alert, ensure sump pumps are working properly, and keep ditches, culverts, and storm drains clear of debris.
Officials say seasonal dam operations for summer will begin as conditions allow.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
