What's the definition of 'in spate'?

I paddled the Usk last weekend in high water. It was over the banks, so
I'd reckon you can officially call it 'in flood'.
http://www.bristolcanoeclub.org.uk/photos/uskfloodnov2005/index.html

But we were trying to decide what 'in spate' actually means, or is
assumed to mean. Any suggestions?

http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=spate
This says that 'spate' means:

1. A sudden flood, rush, or outpouring: “It issues a spate of words
from the loudspeakers and the politicians” (Virginia Woolf).
2. Chiefly British.
1. A flash flood.
2. A freshet resulting from a downpour of rain or melting of snow.
3. A sudden heavy fall of rain.

--
Conor O'Neill, at home in Bristol, UK

"Conor O'Neill" <news_user_200503 DeleteThis @puddle.co.uk> wrote in message
news:gKNcf.5110$Lw5.2389@text.news.blueyonder.co.uk...
I paddled the Usk last weekend in high water. It was over the banks, so
I'd reckon you can officially call it 'in flood'.
http://www.bristolcanoeclub.org.uk/photos/uskfloodnov2005/index.html

But we were trying to decide what 'in spate' actually means, or is
assumed to mean. Any suggestions?

http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=spate
This says that 'spate' means:

1. A sudden flood, rush, or outpouring: “It issues a spate of words
from the loudspeakers and the politicians” (Virginia Woolf).
2. Chiefly British.
1. A flash flood.
2. A freshet resulting from a downpour of rain or melting of snow.
3. A sudden heavy fall of rain.

--
Conor O'Neill, at home in Bristol, UK

In spate = get out the camera and take pictures of the lemmings - leave boat
on roof rack!
Best wishes

Keith