News from: April 2018

May 4, 2018 –  This message is an update to the RVCA flood warning of April 30.

A weather forecast from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry has the possibility of generalized rain up to 25 millimetres (mm). An additional 25 mm could fall in localized storm cells.  If the rain occurs as forecast, water levels can be expected to rise again throughout the watershed. However, no flooding is expected in the lower reaches of the system downstream of Smiths Falls.

Water levels have continued to increase gradually on Bobs and Christie Lakes with some minor flooding of low-lying shoreline. Operation of the Bolingbroke Dam on Bobs Lake continues with outflow being reduced today to give some relief to Christie Lake. Water levels can be expected to increase on both lakes. How much the increases will be depends on rainfall this afternoon and overnight.

Cottage owners on other lakes in the area may want to check that their properties are secure.

Weather forecasts are presently indicating that next week will bring sun and warmer temperatures which will cause a decline toward more typical water levels.

Note that streambanks are slippery on watershed streams, ponds and lakes and the water will still be cold. Children should be informed about the hazards and kept away from all watercourses as levels fluctuate with the spring weather.

May 3, 2018, RIDEAU WATERSHED — RVCA welcomed 17 new faces to its conservation family on April 30, 2018 thanks to special federal and provincial funding.

"We are grateful for the hard work and enthusiasm that our local youth bring to support our conservation authority work," said Sommer Casgrain-Robertson, RVCA General Manager. "We are also thankful for the special federal and provincial funding that makes it possible."

Canada Summer Jobs and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry Summer Experience Program help cover costs for student positions that include camp counselors/life guards, stewardship labourers, park technicians, water resource technicians and regulations assistants.

Many of the students are from the watershed community including Barrhaven, Dunrobin, Kemptville, Lanark, North Gower, Perth, Richmond and Stittsville. Most students work a full four months prior to returning to their ongoing studies. 

“We strive to provide meaningful and valuable work experience that will help our youth with future employment,” said Casgrain-Robertson noting that the experience is also rewarding for staff who help mentor and work closely with the students throughout their work experience.

MAY 1, Ottawa River – Constance Bay Area — Further to the press release issued by the Ottawa River Planning Board, the Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority is issuing a Flood Outlook for the Lac Deschene (Constance Bay, Britannia Bay) area of the Ottawa River watershed.

Levels and flows along the Ottawa River have started to increase with the onset of the spring freshet period. Based on the current snowpack and the weather forecast, levels and flows from Arnprior to Deschenes Rapids are expected to remain within the normal range of fluctuations associated with this time of year; however the normal range may be slightly exceeded. Model outputs currently indicate that levels are expected to increase of 50 to 60 cm over the next week and peak on or about May 7th, 2018. Given the size of the Ottawa River basin and forecasted rain over the next week, these predictions could change quickly and significantly.

Levels and flows along the Ottawa River have started to increase with the onset of the spring freshet period. Based on the current snowpack and the weather forecast, levels and flows are expected to remain within the normal range of fluctuations associated with this period of the year. 

Residents are strongly urged to remind children of the dangers of hypothermia from cold water and playing near fast flowing rivers and creeks.

Residents in low lying areas, historically susceptible to flooding, should take the necessary precautions to protect their property, such as:

• Ensuring sump pumps are clear and in good working condition

• Removing or securing items that might float away as flows increase

This Watershed Conditions Statement is valid through May 7, 2018. Additional statements will be issued when or if conditions are expected to change significantly from this outlook.

Daily water levels and flows are available on the MVCA website at http://mvc.on.ca/water-levels/

The Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority flood forecasting and warning program monitors weather conditions, snowpack water content, estimates expected river flows and water levels and issues flood advisories or warnings as required. MVCA provides early warning and continuous monitoring to municipal and provincial emergency response personnel through a flood event.

MAY 1, Ottawa River – Constance Bay Area — Further to the press release issued by the Ottawa River Planning Board, the Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority is issuing a Flood Outlook for the Lac Deschene (Constance Bay, Britannia Bay) area of the Ottawa River watershed.

Levels and flows along the Ottawa River have started to increase with the onset of the spring freshet period. Based on the current snowpack and the weather forecast, levels and flows from Arnprior to Deschenes Rapids are expected to remain within the normal range of fluctuations associated with this time of year; however the normal range may be slightly exceeded. Model outputs currently indicate that levels are expected to increase of 50 to 60 cm over the next week and peak on or about May 7th, 2018. Given the size of the Ottawa River basin and forecasted rain over the next week, these predictions could change quickly and significantly.

Levels and flows along the Ottawa River have started to increase with the onset of the spring freshet period. Based on the current snowpack and the weather forecast, levels and flows are expected to remain within the normal range of fluctuations associated with this period of the year. 

Residents are strongly urged to remind children of the dangers of hypothermia from cold water and playing near fast flowing rivers and creeks.

Residents in low lying areas, historically susceptible to flooding, should take the necessary precautions to protect their property, such as:

• Ensuring sump pumps are clear and in good working condition

• Removing or securing items that might float away as flows increase

This Watershed Conditions Statement is valid through May 7, 2018. Additional statements will be issued when or if conditions are expected to change significantly from this outlook.

Daily water levels and flows are available on the MVCA website at http://mvc.on.ca/water-levels/

The Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority flood forecasting and warning program monitors weather conditions, snowpack water content, estimates expected river flows and water levels and issues flood advisories or warnings as required. MVCA provides early warning and continuous monitoring to municipal and provincial emergency response personnel through a flood event.