(WCS – R10/2025)

December 16, 2025 – The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA) is issuing a Water Safety Statement ahead of a forecasted two-day rainfall and warming weather event.

With the expected rain and snowmelt runoff, significant flooding is not anticipated; however, water levels across all waterways in the Rideau Valley Watershed are expected to rise during this event. Depending on the location, localized flooding may be possible in low-lying areas, including ditches and stormwater features.

Weather Forecast: Environment Canada is forecasting rainfall amounts of 10 to 20 mm on Friday, December 19th. Above-zero temperatures are also forecasted from Thursday, December 18th until Friday, December 19th and could contribute to snowmelt and ice destabilization. Temperatures are expected to fall rapidly following this event, which may result in a flash-freeze and the rapid re-freezing of wet or saturated surfaces.

Environmental Conditions: Current observations indicate that water levels and flows 

across the Rideau Valley Watershed are generally low and below average. However, frozen soils are reduced in their ability to absorb water.

Risks: The forecasted warm temperatures and rainfall will contribute to increased snowmelt and runoff, which may result in faster-flowing water, slippery or unstable banks, ice breakup, and potential flooding in low-lying areas.

Action & Safety Recommendations: Residents are advised to exercise caution near rivers, streams, and other waterbodies due to the risks summarized above. Parents should inform their children of these dangers and provide appropriate supervision.

Property owners in flood-prone areas should take necessary precautions, such as:

• Ensuring sump pumps are clear, in good working condition, and have a backwater valve; 

• Keeping a portable backup generator and pump easily accessible; 
• Ensuring downspouts are clear and directing water at least 3 metres away from the dwelling;
• Securing items that could float away as water levels rise.

Duration: This Water Safety statement is in effect until Friday, December 26, 2025, at 11:59 pm or until an update has been issued. The RVCA monitors water levels and weather forecasts as part of its Flood Forecasting and Warning Program. Updates will be provided as conditions change.

-end-

Water Safety – High flows, unstable banks, melting ice or other factors that could be dangerous for recreational users such as anglers, canoeists, hikers, children, pets, etc. Flooding is not expected.

Flood Outlook – Early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts, calling for heavy rain, snow melt, high winds or other conditions that could lead to high runoff, cause ice jams and/or lakeshore flooding or erosion.

Flood Warning – Flooding is imminent or already occurring in specific watercourses or municipalities.

Flood Watch – Flooding is possible in specific watercourses or municipalities. Municipalities, emergency services and individuals in flood prone areas should prepare.