(WCS - 10/2023)
April 28, 2023 – The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority is maintaining a FLOOD WATCH for properties around Bobs Lake and Christie Lake and issuing a WATER SAFETY for the entire Rideau Valley Watershed.
Environment Canada is forecasting significant rainfall starting on Saturday April 29, and continuing through next Tuesday. This forecasted rainfall is expected to cause all water levels and flows to increase throughout the Rideau Valley Watershed. Except as noted below, most water levels and flows are currently at seasonal levels, so it is expected that this rain event will not cause any significant flooding, but it could cause localized flooding in small watercourses, urban areas and ditches.
The water levels on Bobs and Christie Lakes are near lake capacity and water levels are expected to increase with this rain event and may approach flood levels. Parks Canada staff are closely monitoring the water levels in these lakes, and operations at the Bolingbroke Dam will take place as required to balance the levels in Bobs Lake and Christie Lake.
The RVCA reminds the public to exercise extreme caution around all waterbodies and remind children about the dangers of playing near open water. Residents are reminded to make sure their sump pumps are in good working condition and to help reduce ponding by keeping ditches, culverts, and storm drains clear of obstructions.
This watershed conditions statement is in effect until Tuesday, May 9, 2023 at 5 PM and will be updated at that time unless the forecast or conditions change.
-end-
More Information:
Contact: Brian Stratton, RVCA Manager Engineering Services
Rideau Valley Conservation Authority
613-692-6804, 1-800-267-3504 ext. 1141
www.rvca.ca/watershed-conditions
"Rideau Valley Conservation Authority is a partnership of municipalities within the Rideau Valley watershed
created under the Conservation Authorities Act to deliver a range of programs in watershed management and
natural resource conservation."
RVCA Watershed Conditions Statements:
- Water Safety – High flows, unstable banks, melting ice or other factors that could be dangerous for recreational users such as anglers, canoeists, hikers, children, pets, etc. Flooding is not expected.
- Flood Outlook – Early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts, calling for heavy rain, snow melt, high winds or other conditions that could lead to high runoff, cause ice jams and/or lakeshore flooding or erosion.
- Flood Watch – Flooding is possible in specific watercourses or municipalities. Municipalities, emergency services and individuals in flood prone areas should prepare.
- Flood Warning – Flooding is imminent or already occurring in specific watercourses or municipalities.
