April 24, 2018 –  Water levels are expected to rise again in the Rideau River watershed as a result of meltwater from the last of the snow, flow from thawing soil and rain forecast for Wednesday and Thursday. 

Daytime temperatures are expected to approach 20 degrees over the rest of the week and stay above freezing at night. This will cause the remaining snow in the upper watershed to melt and, along with thawing water from the soil, begin to work its way down through the system. Rain in the order of 20 to 30 millimetres is forecast for the next two days which, in combination with the melt runoff, can be expected to cause water levels to rise.

Flooding is not expected but the levels of Bobs and Christie Lakes are being monitored closely by Parks Canada staff and operation of the dam at Bolingbroke will be done as warranted to minimize any impacts on the two lakes. 

Access issues in the low-lying communities on the Long Reach of the Rideau between Kars and Kemptville such as Hilly Lane and Cedar Beach could occur as a result of the increasing flows.

Note that streambanks are slippery and any remaining ice cover on streams, ponds and lakes will be hazardous. Children and pets should be kept away from all watercourses as levels fluctuate with the spring weather.