Watershed Conditions Statements
April 06, 2023
FLOOD WARNING & FLOOD WATCH: Significant Rain Causes Water Levels To Rise Across Rideau Valley
(WCS – R05/2023) RIDEAU VALLEY, April 6, 2023 – A combined Flood Warning and Flood Watch is in effect for the Rideau Valley following a significant rain/freezing rain event yesterday. Flood conditions are present in many low-lying areas adjacent to several rivers, creeks and ditches. Additional areas have the potential to flood over the next few days, especially because of snow remaining within the City of Ottawa and the Tay River watershed. The short-term weather forecast indicates no precipitation for next few days. Daytime temperatures will generally be above zero and night-time temperatures will be below zero for next few days. Temperatures…
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Watershed Conditions Statements
March 30, 2023
FLOOD WATCH: Localized Flooding Possible as Precipitation, Warmer Weather Increase Rideau Valley Water Levels
(WCS – R04/2023) RIDEAU VALLEY, March 30, 2023 – A Flood Watch has been issued for the Rideau Valley as a rainy weekend mixes with the residual snowpack still intact in some areas after a cool March. Potential flooding could begin to impact low-lying areas as early as Saturday and continue throughout next week. Since early March, we have experienced a very gradual snow melt with some precipitation across the Rideau Valley Watershed. As such, snow remains in some parts of our watershed, most prominently in the City of Ottawa and the Tay River watershed, which indicates a potential for flooding in…
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Watershed Conditions Statements
(WCS – R03/2023) RIDEAU VALLEY, March 23, 2023 – A cool March combined with above-average snowfall amounts this winter means the snowpack is higher than average for this time of year across much of the Rideau Valley Watershed. This creates potential for above-average flooding in all low-lying areas adjacent to any rivers, creeks or ditches. The short-term weather forecast indicates rain amounts of 15-25 mm on Thurs. March 23 with temperatures well above zero, and cooler temperatures on Friday. Another precipitation event is forecast for Saturday and Sunday, but it’s unclear how much precipitation will fall, and if it will come…
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Watershed Conditions Statements
March 09, 2023
SPRING OUTLOOK - With High Snowpack, Prepare for Spring Flooding Across the Rideau Valley
(WCS – R02/2023) RIDEAU VALLEY, March 9, 2023 – The winter of 2022-23 is quickly coming to an end, and RVCA’s Flood Forecasting team is working closely with its municipal and agency partners to prepare for potential spring flooding. As discussed below, it is important to be prepared for possible flood conditions over the next few weeks as spring returns to the Rideau Valley watershed. Current conditions: This winter has been unusually mild with some rain events and approximately 300 cm of snow fallen to date in the Ottawa area. The snowpack varies throughout the Rideau Valley Watershed, but in general the…
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Watershed Conditions Statements
January 12, 2023
FLOOD OUTLOOK - Elevated Water Levels Expected to Continue for Christie Lake and Tay River Region
(WCS – R01/2023) January 12, 2023 – After gaining and losing a large amount of snow over the holiday season, the short-term forecast is calling for between 15 and 30 cm of snow starting Thursday, Jan. 12 through late Friday, Jan. 13. Elevated water levels/flows are now declining across most of the watershed after above-average temperatures and precipitation caused a spike at the end of December and early January. But water levels in the upper watershed reservoir lakes, specifically Bobs and Christie Lake, are above average and continue to increase. The conditions are being monitored closely by Parks Canada staff. A FLOOD…
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Watershed Conditions Statements
December 30, 2022
WATER SAFETY STATEMENT - Water Safety Statement Extended Due To Prolonged Warming Trend and Forecasted Rainfall
(WCS – R10/2022) December 30, 2022 – The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority is extending the Water Safety Statement issued on December 21, 2022 due to a prolonged warming trend and forecasted rainfall over the next few days. Above zero temperatures are expected to continue late into next week, with forecasted rainfall of 20-30 mm through the weekend. These conditions will likely accelerate the release of the existing snowpack and will result in increased flows and water levels throughout the Rideau Valley watershed. With rising water levels expected over the next few days, ice cover on lakes, ditches, local streams, and…
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Watershed Conditions Statements
