Watershed Conditions Statements
March 08, 2021
Spring Outlook: Early Snow Melt and Rising Water Levels Expected Across the Rideau Valley Watershed
WCS – R03/2021 March 8, 2021 –The winter of 2020-21 is quickly coming to an end. After a mild start, February brought cooler temperatures. The watershed saw a significant rain event in late December, followed by below normal precipitation in January and above normal precipitation in February. Current conditions recorded at several RVCA and Parks Canada snow course sites are indicating normal water content amounts in the snow for this time of year. In general, water levels on lakes and flows in the streams are presently below normal for this time of year. The current short-term weather forecast indicates a…
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Watershed Conditions Statements
January 29, 2021
Cold Weather this weekend could cause localized frazil ice formation and flooding in Rideau Valley Watershed
WCS - R02/2021 January 29, 2021 – Environment Canada is forecasting very cold weather beginning today and continuing into Sunday before returning to normal range on Monday. This includes night-time wind chill temperatures in the range of -20 to -30 degrees Celsius. In areas where there is a lack of ice cover along with turbulent flow, these cold temperatures can trigger the formation of frazil ice which can accumulate quickly on bridge abutments, piers and riverbanks resulting in increased water levels and flooding in low-lying areas. The small rivers and streams with open water, such as the Tay River, are…
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Watershed Conditions Statements
January 13, 2021
Mild Winter Causing Unstable Ice Throughout Rideau Watershed
WCS – R01/2021) January 13, 2021 – Environment Canada is forecasting mild temperatures for the remainder of this week, with daily temperatures above zero each day and some rain expected on Friday and Saturday. This follows a warmer than usual December and a mild January to date. As a result of a significant rain event on December 24 and 25, water levels are above normal for this time of year in the some of the lakes and rivers in the Rideau Lakes and Tay Valley sub-watersheds. Generally, water levels are at normal levels for the remainder of the watershed. Although…
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Watershed Conditions Statements
December 24, 2020
Forecasted Precipitation May Increase Water Levels and Flows and Cause Unstable Ice Throughout Rideau Watershed
(WCS – R07/2020) December 24, 2020 — Environment Canada is forecasting between 30 and 50 mm of rain starting today and continuing overnight throughout the Rideau Valley watershed. Although no significant flooding is anticipated, water levels and flows are expected to increase in all waterways in the Rideau Valley Watershed. Depending on how much rain falls, residents who are adjacent to the smaller creeks and streams are advised to keep a close watch on water levels and flows and should take the necessary precautions to protect their property, such as: Ensuring sump pump is clear, in good working condition and…
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Watershed Conditions Statements
September 02, 2020
Low Water Status Returned to “Normal” in Rideau Valley Watershed
(WCS-LW - 52/2020) September 2, 2020 — Watershed conditions in the Rideau Valley Watershed have returned to “Normal’ under the Ontario Low Water Response Program. With significant precipitation during the last month, the amount of rainfall received throughout the watershed is at or above average values for this time of year. As a result of this precipitation, stream flows and water levels are now at or above average values for this time of year. Looking ahead, the seven-day weather forecasts suggests we’ll continue to receive more rain. Parks Canada continues to closely monitor the water levels throughout the Rideau Canal system inside…
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Watershed Conditions Statements
August 05, 2020
Low Water Conditions Much Improved in Rideau Valley Watershed
(WCS-LW - 4/2020) August 5, 2020 — This statement is to advise that the low water status in the Rideau River watershed is being downgraded to “Minor” from “Moderate” severity under the Ontario Low Water Response Program because of recent precipitation. Significant rain over the last week pushed 30-day rainfall totals above what is normal for the time of year at most climate monitoring sites in the region. However, the average 90-day rainfall measured at climate stations in and around the watershed is below 80 per cent of normal for this time of year which represents “Minor” low water severity. Looking…
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Watershed Conditions Statements
