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January 08, 2016

January Thaw

After waiting for so long for snow to arrive, above freezing temperatures and rain forecast for tomorrow and Sunday can be expected to reduce the snow cover and cause increased water levels and flows in the Rideau watershed.

Water levels on lakes and flows in watercourses are close to normal for the time of year. However, as conditions change through this thaw period, levels will increase and ice on lakes, ditches, local streams and rivers that had just begun to form will become more unstable posing potential safety risks. Caution should be exercised by everyone when near local streams and rivers. Parents should inform their children of the risks associated with increased flows and unstable ice conditions in area watercourses and provide appropriate supervision. An extended period of cold temperatures is needed for a stable ice cover to form.

RVCA will continue to monitor conditions and will issue conditions statements as warranted. Further statements will be issued when or if there is an indication that the situation can be expected to change significantly.

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 specific watercourses or municipalities.