Cataraqui Conservation issued a watershed advisory on March 2, 2026, warning Kingston, Ontario, residents about the potential for higher-than-normal water levels during the spring thaw. The agency is monitoring local waterways as heavy snow and warmer temperatures increase the risk of localized flooding and shoreline erosion throughout March and April.
Current measurements show the snowpack in the area is more than double its usual depth for this time of year. A warming trend is expected to begin around March 5, 2026, with temperatures potentially reaching 10 degrees Celsius through March 11, which will cause the snow to melt quickly.
Water managers are already letting more water out of local lakes to create space for the expected runoff and rain. High water levels in the past have caused damage in the community, such as in 2019 when the dock at the Woolen Mill was completely underwater.
Residents living near the water or in low-lying areas should watch for flooding and keep away from fast-flowing water and breaking ice. Boaters and people using local trails are also encouraged to be careful as some areas may become difficult to access or face shoreline damage.
