(WCS – R03/2023)

RIDEAU VALLEY, March 23, 2023 – A cool March combined with above-average snowfall amounts this winter means the snowpack is higher than average for this time of year across much of the Rideau Valley Watershed. This creates potential for above-average flooding in all low-lying areas adjacent to any rivers, creeks or ditches.

The short-term weather forecast indicates rain amounts of 15-25 mm on Thurs. March 23 with temperatures well above zero, and cooler temperatures on Friday. Another precipitation event is forecast for Saturday and Sunday, but it’s unclear how much precipitation will fall, and if it will come as rain, freezing rain or snow.  

Based on the above forecast, water levels and flows are expected to increase in all waterways in the Rideau Valley Watershed, beginning on Thursday and continuing throughout the weekend and next week. The degree of increase will depend on actual precipitation and temperatures over this period. If significant rain falls over the weekend, then flooding could occur on the smaller creeks and streams in the Rideau Valley Watershed. This would include Stevens Creek and any connected creeks or ditches (near North Gower) which are highly susceptible to spring flooding. This short-term forecast does not suggest flooding along the larger rivers (Rideau River), however there is potential for this in late March or early April depending on weather.

Water levels in upper watershed lakes are presently near normal for this time of year. Parks Canada staff who manage water levels for the Rideau Canal will closely monitor these water levels and have indicated that the levels are expected to rise as the snowpack begins to melt. 

City of Ottawa crews continue their annual ice removal program on the Rideau River between Rideau Falls and Bronson Avenue. City crews are busy with ice breaking activities (for more information: City of Ottawa information at 311).

With changing water levels expected over the coming days, ice cover on lakes, ditches, local streams and rivers will continue to be unstable. Extreme caution should be exercised when near local waterbodies. Parents should inform their children of the risks and provide appropriate supervision. 

As temperatures continue to rise, the potential for ice jams remains high in some local streams and rivers, as flows could quickly increase before the ice can melt. Residents are advised to monitor their local river closely for signs of ice jams as spring progresses. RVCA staff will be monitoring conditions but we always welcome unique observations from watershed residents.

Flooding along roadways is also a concern due to current snow/ice buildup on roadside ditches.

Residents in flood-prone or low-lying areas that are historically susceptible to flooding should take the necessary precautions to protect their property, such as:

• Ensuring sump pump is clear, in good working condition and has a backwater valve 
• Ensuring easy access to a portable backup generator and pump
• Ensuring downspouts are clear and the outlet is at least 3 metres from the dwelling 
• Securing items that might float away as flows increase 
• Removing valuable items from basements or lower floors that could be subject to flooding
• Keeping emergency phone numbers handy
• Familiarizing yourself with your municipality’s Emergency Preparedness Plan

This watershed conditions statement is in effect until Friday, March 31, 2023 and may 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.

OTTAWA, March 14, 2023 – It’s officially March, and that means it's time to haul in your fishing huts, hockey nets and other gear before the ice is out. 

Building materials, rink lights, benches and shovels, garbage and other waste can pollute our rivers and lakes, be toxic for fish and wildlife and create hazards for boaters and swimmers in the spring. 

Under Ontario law, Eastern Ontario fishing huts must be removed by March 15. However, as the sun gets stronger and the weather begins to warm, it’s wise to remove them sooner rather than later. If you wait too long, you may find the ice too thin to access your belongings! It is an offence under the Public Lands Act to leave your ice hut out after ice break up, even if that occurs before the removal deadline.

So take some time this week to collect your belongings, dispose of your garbage and dismantle any structures you’ve built on the ice. Protect and respect the river that has kept you going all through the long winter months! 

For complete fishing hut regulations visit www.ontario.ca/page/ice-fishing. To learn about water quality in your area and how to improve it, visit watersheds.rvca.ca.

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(WCS – R02/2023)

RIDEAU VALLEY, March 9, 2023 – The winter of 2022-23 is quickly coming to an end, and RVCA’s Flood Forecasting team is working closely with its municipal and agency partners to prepare for potential spring flooding. As discussed below, it is important to be prepared for possible flood conditions over the next few weeks as spring returns to the Rideau Valley watershed.

Current conditions:

• This winter has been unusually mild with some rain events and approximately 300 cm of snow fallen to date in the Ottawa area. The snowpack varies throughout the Rideau Valley Watershed, but in general the water content in the snow is near average for the upper and middle parts of the watershed and above average for the lower part of the watershed (Ottawa area).
• Due to the mild weather and rain throughout the winter, water levels on some upper watershed lakes are presently above normal for this time of year (i.e., Wolfe & Christie Lakes). Parks Canada staff who manage water levels for the Rideau Canal will closely monitor these water levels and have indicated that the levels are expected to rise in the upper watershed lakes as the snowpack begins to melt. 
• The current short-term forecast indicates limited precipitation and seasonal temperatures (slightly above zero temperatures during the day and below zero at night); however, we know the daily temperature will begin to increase and there will likely be some rain as we move through March.
• City of Ottawa crews have begun the annual ice removal program on the Rideau River between Rideau Falls and Bronson Avenue. Crews will work to keep the ice from reforming until the spring freshet occurs (for more information: City of Ottawa’s information line at 311).

What does this mean for flood potential?

• Based solely on the fact we have above-average snow water content and above-normal water levels in some upper watershed lakes, there is potential for above-average flooding this spring across the Rideau Valley Watershed, especially in low lying areas which have flooded in the past. 
• Precipitation and temperature are two other key factors influencing actual flood conditions as we move through March and into April, which staff will monitor closely.
• The short-term forecast suggests a slow melt with little precipitation, which is favourable for limited flooding for at least the first half of March.

With changing levels expected over the coming weeks, ice cover on lakes, ditches, local streams and rivers will continue to be unstable. Extreme caution should be exercised by everyone when near local waterbodies. Parents should inform their children of the risks and provide appropriate supervision. 

As the temperatures start to warm up, ice jams are possible in local streams and rivers, as flows could quickly increase before the ice can melt. Residents are advised to monitor their local waterbody closely for signs of ice jams as spring progresses. RVCA staff will be monitoring conditions, but we always welcome observations from watershed residents.

Potential flooding along roadways is also a concern due to current snow/ice buildup on roadside ditches and some roads.

Residents in flood-prone or low-lying areas historically susceptible to flooding should take the necessary precautions to protect their property, such as:

• Ensuring sump pump is clear, in good working condition and has a backwater valve 
• Ensuring easy access to a portable backup generator and pump
• Ensuring downspouts are clear and the outlet is at least 3 metres from the dwelling 
• Securing items that might float away as flows increase 
• Removing valuable items from basements or lower floors that could be subject to flooding
• Keeping emergency phone numbers handy
• Familiarizing yourself with your municipality’s Emergency Preparedness Plan

More information including our Flood Contingency Plan and real-time water level and stream flow data can be found atwww.rvca.ca/watershed-conditions.

This watershed conditions statement is in effect until March 24, 2023 at 5 p.m. and may 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.

MANOTICK, March 3, 2023 – North Grenville Councillor Kristin Strackerjan is the new board chair for the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA). 

Strackerjan was elected at the RVCA’s board meeting on Feb. 23. Anne Robinson, citizen representative for the City of Ottawa, was elected vice chair.

“My time on the RVCA board has been very interesting, and adding the responsibility of chair will allow me to be further engaged in other areas of discussion, such as at Conservation Ontario meetings,” Strackerjan said. 

She noted that she lives in a high-growth area with many waterways intersecting with development. 

“The conservation of land and ensuring that developments proceed with due consideration to science is more important than ever. Protecting our watershed and our green areas is paramount.”

Robinson said she is keen to take on the role of vice chair, having supported the conservation authority’s purpose for many years. 

“The work of conservation authorities is vital to the health of our watersheds in Ontario and to our future,” said Robinson, who has been a board member since 2018. “I will do what I can and encourage others to do what they can to support and maintain what has been recognized throughout North America as a great watershed planning model.” 

There were many new faces around the board table on Feb. 23, the first formal meeting of 2023 and the start of a new four-year board term following municipal elections last October. 

Departing board chair Pieter Leenhouts brought extensive knowledge and a steady hand to the board during his four-year tenure as chair. Leenhouts was a dedicated board member, having participated as an Ottawa appointee since 2015 and serving as vice chair in 2018. The RVCA staff and board thank him for his service to conservation in the Rideau Valley watershed. 

To find information about RVCA’s governance structure, board meetings and agendas visit www.rvca.ca/governance. 

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