Rain presently falling is causing flows in the Rideau River to increase toward thresholds at which flooding can be expected to cause access issues to lower lying waterfront properties.
The area first affected will be the Long Reach of the Rideau between Kars and Kemptville. In particular, access to Hilly Lane, Cedar Beach, Rideau Glen and other neighbourhoods on that reach of the river can be expected to be compromised as the rain enters the system today. Rain forecast in the order of fifty-five millimetres (mm) on Thursday and Friday can be expected to be followed by a peak on Saturday in excess of 450 cubic metres per second (cms) on the Rideau River measured at the monitoring station at Carleton University. To compare, the historical average flow at the Carleton gauge is 320 cms.
Such flows in the system can also be expected to put water on the end of Belmont Avenue, on Rideau River Drive and into Windsor Park in Ottawa South by Friday.
Finally, be safe! Ensure that children stay away from cold, fast flowing rivers and streams.
Conservation Authority staff will continue to monitor conditions and issue further statements as conditions warrant.
RVCA Watershed Conditions Statements:
- 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 Watch – Flooding is possible in specific watercourses or municipalities. Municipalities, emergency services and individuals in flood prone areas should prepare.
- Flood Warning – Flooding is imminent or already occurring in area watercourses.