WATER SAFETY STATEMENT: Lower Ottawa River
A Water Safety Statement is being issued for areas along the Lower Ottawa River. Based on current snow cover and weather forecast, it’s anticipated that levels and flows from Arnprior to Hawkesbury will remain within the normal range of fluctuations associated with the spring freshet period.
The Ottawa River Regulating Committee indicates that with warming temperatures and forecasted precipitation, increases in flows and levels are expected to continue and may cause minor flooding in low-lying areas over the coming weeks depending on the temperatures and precipitation received. Levels are currently expected to remain below flood thresholds.
Throughout the freshet period, the combination of heavy rainfall and snowmelt may result in rapid increases in water levels and flows on the main stem of the Ottawa River from Mattawa down to the Montreal Region.
Residents in flood-prone areas are encouraged to closely follow evolving conditions and to take necessary measures. 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.
The Mississippi Valley, Rideau Valley, and South Nation Conservation Authorities monitor water levels and weather forecasts with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry as part 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 ottawariver.ca/forecasts/.
To view current flood warnings across Ontario, visit:
www.ontario.ca/law-and-safety/flood-forecasting-and-warning-program.
This WATER SAFETY STATEMENT is in effect until April 10, 2020 at 5:00 PM.
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MEDIA CONTACT: John Mesman, Lead, Communications and Outreach,
South Nation Conservation, 613-899-5341, jmesman@nation.on.ca.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Omar Kana’n, Water Resources Specialist – Engineering,
South Nation Conservation, 613-984-2948, okanan@nation.on.ca.
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.