Watershed Conditions Statements
March 26, 2021
Flood Outlook — Lower Ottawa River | Perspective de crue – Cours inférieur de la rivière des Outaouais
Water Conditions Statement: Flood Outlook — Lower Ottawa River March 26, 2021 — A Flood Outlook Statement is being issued for areas along the Lower Ottawa River. Based on current snow cover and weather forecast, it is anticipated that levels and flows along the main stem of the river from Arnprior to Hawkesbury are expected to begin to rise over the next few days but will remain within the normal range of fluctuations associated with the spring freshet period. Presently, the snow cover varies significantly across the 146,300 square kilometre Ottawa River basin, with some areas in the south of the…
Published in
Watershed Conditions Statements
March 25, 2021
Rain in Forecast Will Cause Water Levels to Increase Again Across the Rideau Valley Watershed
March 25, 2021 - Above normal temperatures in March have melted most of the snow across the Rideau Valley watershed. The snow melt was quite rapid at first causing water levels and flows to rise quickly in some areas. This was followed by a more gradual melt of the remaining snow. For the most part, water levels and flows are about normal for this time of year and are well below flood thresholds. The short-term forecast is calling for rainfall amounts of between 40 to 50 millimetres between Thursday and Sunday, with heaviest rain on Friday, and cooler temperatures…
Published in
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…
Published in
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…
Published in
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…
Published in
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…
Published in
Watershed Conditions Statements
