Know the warning system
The RVCA issues water conditions statements to inform residents, municipalities and other stakeholders of changing water levels across the watershed.
A green gauge means conditions are normal.
A yellow Water Safety Statement means rivers could have high flows, unsafe banks, melting ice or other factors that could be dangerous. However, flooding is not expected.
A yellow Flood Outlook Statement is an early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts calling for heavy rain, snow melt, high wind or other conditions that could lead to high runoff, cause ice jams, lakeshore flooding or erosion.
An orange Flood Watch means flooding is possible in specific watercourses or municipalities. Municipalities, emergency services and individual landowners in flood-prone areas should prepare.
A red Flood Warning means flooding is imminent or already occurring in specific watercourses or municipalities.
Click here for the RVCA's Watershed Conditions Statements. Click here for RVCA real-time flows and water levels.
For water levels and flows on the Ottawa River visit the Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board