As water levels and flows in the Rideau River watershed recede, levels on the Ottawa River have been rising.
Rain on Saturday and Sunday had little impact on stream flows anywhere in the Rideau watershed. Rain forecast for Wednesday and Thursday of about 30 millimetres can be expected to cause flows to rise by as much as 50 cubic metres per second on the Rideau. This will not be enough to bring on the return of flooding in those areas recently affected. Levels on three of the four Rideau Canal reservoir lakes have been declining very slowly but are sensitive to further rain presently being slightly below the Full Supply level. Bobs Lake has remained slightly above the Full Supply level because outflow has to be controlled to limit the impact downstream on Christie Lake. If the rain forecast does materialize, reservoir lake levels can be expected to rise slightly again.
The Ottawa River has been rising slowly over the last week as the many tributaries contribute their spring flows. There will be inflows passing through for several days as seasonal weather brings runoff from further north. The locations at risk of flooding on the Ottawa River within the jurisdiction of the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority are communities around Lac Deschene (e.g. Grandview Avenue and Britannia) and Boise Village east of Cumberland. There is already water on roads (Morin Road, Leo Lane) in Boise Village that can be expected to rise and limit access.
It continues to be risky to be around waterbodies. The water is still relatively high, fast moving and cold. Parents need to remind their children about the dangers.
Conservation Authority staff will continue to monitor conditions and will issue an update on Friday, April 21.
For water level and flow information in the Rideau system as well as the Ottawa River, visit the RVCA Streamflows and Water Levels webpage at http://his.rvca.ca/rvcafwl/ .
For more information about conditions on the Ottawa River, also check the webpage of the Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board at http://ottawariver.ca/river-levels-flows.php#river-levels-flows-7-days .
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.