Flood Outlook — Lower Ottawa River
This Flood Outlook Statement is an update to the Flood Outlook Statement issued for areas along the Lower Ottawa River (Arnprior to Hawkesbury) on March 19th, 2025.
Water levels and flows have generally stabilized in all locations along the main stretch of the Ottawa River. With the return of warmer temperatures this weekend and forecasted rainfall, water levels and flows are expected to increase due to snow melt combined with rainfall runoff.
Levels are expected to rise over the next few days in all locations. The snowpack melt in the northern part of the basin is expected to continue over the next few weeks.
While there are currently no significant flooding indicators, it is still too early to forecast peak river conditions which remain dependent on snowmelt and rainfall volume and timing.
Residents in flood-prone areas are encouraged to closely follow changing conditions and to take the necessary precautionary measures, as required. Residents are advised to stay away from watercourses where flows are high and where banks might be unstable. Parents are encouraged to explain dangers to children and provide appropriate supervision around all waterbodies.
The Mississippi Valley, Rideau Valley, and South Nation Conservation Authorities monitor water levels and weather forecasts with the Ministry of Natural Resources aspart of the Flood Forecasting and Warning Program. Updates are provided as conditions change.
The Ottawa River Regulating Committee will be reassessing forecast conditions and providing hydrological condition updates on its website daily at www.ottawariver.ca/forecasts.
To view current flood warnings across Ontario, visit:
www.ontario.ca/law-and-safety/flood-forecasting-and-warning-program.
This FLOOD OUTLOOK STATEMENT is in effect until April 30, 2025 at 5:00 PM.
South Nation Conservation
Kat Watson, Coordinator, Early Warning Systems and Watershed Plans; kwatson@nation.on.ca, 1-877-984-2948.
Definitions:
- Water Conditions Statement: Water Safety: indicates that high flows, melting ice or other factors could be dangerous for such users as boaters, anglers, and swimmers but flooding is
not expected.
- Water Conditions Statement: Flood Outlook: gives early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts calling for heavy rain, snow melt, high winds, or other conditions.
- Flood Watch: potential for flooding exists within specific watercourses and municipalities.
- Flood Warning: flooding is imminent or occurring within specific watercourses and municipalities.