News from: March 2018

April 30, 2018 – This message is to update the status of flood conditions in the Rideau River watershed.

No flooding is expected in the lower reaches of the system downstream of Smiths Falls although water levels can be expected to increase with rain forecast over the latter half of this week.

Bobs and Christie Lakes continue to be at risk for flooding. Higher levels on Christie Lake in particular can be expected as necessary releases are made to control levels on Bobs. No rain today or Tuesday will help but, if rain forecast for Wednesday and beyond is received, levels on both lakes can be expected to increase again.

Similar conditions may be occurring on other lakes in the area and residents should take precautions to ensure the security of their properties.

Note that streambanks are slippery and any remaining ice cover on streams, ponds and lakes will be hazardous. Children and pets should be kept away from all watercourses as levels fluctuate with the spring weather.

April 28, 2018 – This message is specific to Bobs and Christie Lakes but may apply to other lakes in the area where remotely accessible monitoring equipment is not installed. Property owners are advised to go to their cottage properties and assess conditions for themselves.

Rain overnight has caused levels on Bobs and Christie Lakes to increase to flood levels. Additional rain forecast for today (Saturday) and Sunday will cause further increases. Some relief is expected on Monday and Tuesday. More rain is forecast for later in the week that will slow the decline on both lakes.

Levels of Bobs and Christie Lakes are being monitored closely by Parks Canada staff and operation of the dam at Bolingbroke will be done as required to minimize impacts on the two lakes.

Note that streambanks are slippery and any remaining ice cover on streams, ponds and lakes will be hazardous. Children and pets should be kept away from all watercourses as levels fluctuate with the spring weather.

April 24, 2018 –  Water levels are expected to rise again in the Rideau River watershed as a result of meltwater from the last of the snow, flow from thawing soil and rain forecast for Wednesday and Thursday. 

Daytime temperatures are expected to approach 20 degrees over the rest of the week and stay above freezing at night. This will cause the remaining snow in the upper watershed to melt and, along with thawing water from the soil, begin to work its way down through the system. Rain in the order of 20 to 30 millimetres is forecast for the next two days which, in combination with the melt runoff, can be expected to cause water levels to rise.

Flooding is not expected but the levels of Bobs and Christie Lakes are being monitored closely by Parks Canada staff and operation of the dam at Bolingbroke will be done as warranted to minimize any impacts on the two lakes. 

Access issues in the low-lying communities on the Long Reach of the Rideau between Kars and Kemptville such as Hilly Lane and Cedar Beach could occur as a result of the increasing flows.

Note that streambanks are slippery and any remaining ice cover on streams, ponds and lakes will be hazardous. Children and pets should be kept away from all watercourses as levels fluctuate with the spring weather.

April 18, 2018 –  The snow and ice accumulation over the last several days raises the possibility of flooding in parts of the Rideau system as warmer conditions arrive on Friday.

Rain and some melting has caused streamflows to increase throughout the watershed. Daytime temperatures above 10 degrees through the coming weekend and into next week can be expected to melt the remaining snow and ice. There is the potential for this meltwater to cause access issues in the low-lying communities on the Long Reach of the Rideau between Kars and Kemptville. Tributary streams such as Stevens and Cranberry Creeks in the North Gower area can be expected to overtop their banks.

The next occurrence of precipitation is not expected until next Wednesday when 20 to 30 millimetres could fall. Such rain is expected to prolong but not worsen the situation. 

With water levels elevated and standing water in ditches and fields, the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA) reminds the public to exercise extreme caution around all water bodies. Streambanks are slippery and any remaining ice cover on streams, ponds and lakes will be hazardous. Parents are advised to keep their children and pets away from all watercourses as levels fluctuate with the spring weather.

April 11, 2018 – A weather system out of the mid-west U.S. has the potential to bring several forms of precipitation in significant amounts in to eastern Canada over the next week.

Snow, rain and freezing rain may fall beginning tonight with showers or flurries. Tomorrow, rain is forecast to fall through the afternoon. Rain is expected to begin again late on Friday morning and continue into Saturday, changing to snow in the early morning finishing with as much as 20 centimetres. Rain is presently expected to resume on Sunday and continue into Monday.

If the full amount of forecast precipitation falls, there is the potential for minor flooding to occur in the Long Reach of the Rideau near Kemptville. The lower lying communities in that area may have access issues.

Water levels throughout the watershed are below average for the time of year so there is capacity to accommodate some of the runoff with little impact. Cooler than normal temperatures are forecast which could mean that the runoff process will be slowed to an extent with freezing temperatures overnight. Temperatures closer to spring-like are not expected until the end of next week.

This weather system has the potential to develop into a more significant event over the next five days. RVCA staff will continue to monitor and further statements will be issued if conditions warrant.

Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA) reminds the public to exercise extreme caution around all water bodies. Streambanks are slippery and any remaining ice cover on streams, ponds and lakes will be hazardous. Parents are advised to keep their children and pets away from all watercourses as levels fluctuate with the spring weather.