The rain is forecast to tail off today and tomorrow in Eastern Ontario finishing with a bout of freezing rain and snow flurries in some locations.
Flows in the Rideau system are now not expected to reach flows experienced in the spring freshet (defined as a flood of a river from heavy rain or melted snow). The rate of rise in the Rideau and its tributaries is slowing as the lower reaches of the system stabilize. Levels on the Long Reach will decline to navigation levels and access to Hilly Lane and its neighbours will improve through the coming week. Waters will also subside gradually from Brantwood and Windsor Parks.
The Rideau Canal reservoir lake levels continue to be well above the “Full Supply Limit”. Parks Canada staff had to make changes to the dam settings on Bobs Lake as it became necessary to release water as levels rose. Unfortunately, that increased the extent of flooding around Christie Lake. The impact of the release from Bobs Lake on the Tay River is not expected to mean a higher peak on the Tay. Rather, flows are expected to continue to be high for several days.
The flood waters continue to be hazardous and caution is needed. Parents need to inform children about the dangers.
Only if it is safe to do so, the public is encouraged to share photos of water conditions in their area via RVCA Facebook (@RideauValleyConservationAuthority) and Twitter (@RideauValleyCA).
Conservation Authority staff will continue to monitor conditions and will issue updates as warranted.
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.