Flooding is expected in the Rideau River watershed today and through the weekend.
Previous rain from the beginning of the week has increased water levels throughout the watershed. Parks Canada staff have been making adjustments at all dams to reduce the water levels with some success. However, there is still excess water in the Rideau Canal reservoir lakes. Christie Lake on the Tay River, is expected to have further flood issues as water is released from Bobs Lake to relieve ongoing high water there.
Releases from Big Rideau Lake will have to be made today which will increase flows downstream. Dams downstream will all be opened as much as possible to pass through the maximum flows. However, some flooding can be expected starting on the Long Reach between Manotick and Kemptville, in particular Hilly Lane, where access roads are expected to be submerged today.
Windsor and Brantwood Parks in Ottawa South and East that were under water previously in April are expected to be flooded again.
As the flood waters rise, so too does the hazard level. Flooded roads are dangerous to drive and walk on and moving water and slippery streambanks are not good places for anyone to be. Parents need to inform children about the dangers.
The rain is forecast to end on Sunday and a peak can be expected late Sunday or Monday.
Conservation Authority staff will continue to monitor conditions and will issue updates as warranted.
For water level and flow information in the Rideau system as well as the Ottawa River, visit the RVCA Streamflows and Water Levels webpage at http://his.rvca.ca/rvcafwl/.
For more information about conditions on the Ottawa River, also check the webpage of the Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board at http://ottawariver.ca/river-levels-flows.php#river-levels-flows-7-days.
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 area watercourses.