Mild weather speeds snow melt, expands flood risk in Quebec
theweathernetwork.com
Thursday, April 27, 2017, 1:19 PM - Mild temperatures surging northward in Quebec may make for a pleasant change in the weather, but they come with an enhanced risk for flooding as spring melt accelerates.
Last week saw some of the worst flooding in 20 years in the province, and while additional rainfall this week has been light, climbing temperatures chipping away at lingering snow piles are contributing to rising water levels along the province's waterways.
Officials report moderate flooding along the River of the Petite Nation, and minor flooding in progress in at least 10 other locations across the southern tier of the province.
Water has begun to withdraw from hard-hit communities, such as Rigaud and Gatineau, where hundreds were evacuated, but water levels are still high in many places.
Quebec officials are still monitoring 19 rivers across the southern part of the province that are currently at or are nearing flood stage, including the St. Lawrence.
Temperatures approaching 30oC are possible for extreme southern parts of the province by the end of the week.
Quebec's Hydro Météo cautions in their Thursday update, "Several rivers are continuing a low to moderate rise in flows and levels since yesterday as a result of precipitation and the melting of residual snow throughout Quebec. The mild temperatures expected over the next few days will accelerate snow melt in the ponds."
Even with river levels falling earlier this week, as water recedes from western Quebec to follow the St. Lawrence waterways toward the Atlantic, those closer to Quebec City can expect to see an influx as the week goes on.
"Rivers in the Mauricie, Quebec, Chaudière-Appalaches and Bas-Saint-Laurent regions could experience moderate increases in levels and flows," said Hydro Météo.
The Richelieu River also remains very high, according to the agency, but the level is currently stable.
While springtime flooding is not uncommon in Quebec, this year's wet March has teamed with snow melt and heavy April rains to send flood waters to historic levels in some areas, prompting the provincial goverment to offer emergency financial assistance to ten municipalities in the western part of the province.
SOURCES: Meteo Media | CBC News | Ottawa Citizen | Hydro Meteo |