Water Conditions Statement: Water Safety — Lower Ottawa River March 18, 2024 — A Water Safety Statement is being issued for areas along the Lower Ottawa River (Arnprior to Hawkesbury). This winter has been characterised by unseasonably warm temperatures, below-average precipitation in many locations and several melt events. As of mid-March, the amount of water in the snowpack is well below average for this time of year across the Ottawa River watershed. The snow is essentially gone in the south-east portion of the basin and well below average elsewhere for this time of year. Environment Canada is forecasting cooler, more seasonable,…

(WCS – R04/2024)March 8, 2024 – The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority is issuing a WATER SAFETY message for the entire Rideau Valley Watershed. A low pressure system is expected to bring widespread rain to the region, with between 20mm and 40mm expected throughout Saturday and Sunday. Snow conditions in the Rideau Valley watershed are largely depleted, but flows and water levels remain elevated from recent melt and rainfall events.  While significant flooding is not anticipated at this time, water levels and flows in all waterways are expected to increase and may exceed their banks along smaller tributaries and streams. Residents in these regions…