Rain on Monday has pushed water levels in the Ottawa River above the peak reached last week.
This Flood Warning is specific to areas around Lac Deschene, at Petrie Island and at Boise Village, east of Cumberland.
A short-lived peak can be expected on Wednesday. Rain, possible on Thursday but probable for Friday and through the weekend, is expected to increase levels further. Peak elevation at Britannia last week was 59.924 metres above sea level. At 10:00 this morning, the level was 60 metres. Downstream of the Chaudiere Falls the peak level last week was 44.09 metres. The measurement this morning was 44.199 metres and increasing. At Thurso last week, the peak was 42.84 compared to 42.83 metres this morning but that will continue to rise as water moves through the system.
Flooding that has occurred in Boise Village has been mainly limited road access. The increase in levels from the Monday rain could cause more property flooding. Access to Petrie Island continues to be an issue. As water levels increase, flood control measures in Britannia will be tested and lower lying properties can be expected to be inundated.
Attempting to drive or walk in water more than 30 centimetres deep is not advised. Parents need to inform children about the dangers of going near flooded areas and fast moving water in streams and ditches.
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.