Displaying items by tag: Flood Watch

Updated Flood Outlook & Flood Watch: Rain in Forecast Will Cause Water Levels to Increase Again Across the Rideau Valley Watershed

(WCS – R05/2020) March 27, 2020 –The short-term forecast is calling for rainfall amounts of 35 millimetres or more on Sunday and into Monday with above zero temperatures. As such, water levels and flows across the Rideau Valley Watershed are expected to increase again.

A FLOOD WATCH is being issued for properties around Christie Lake and Wolfe Lake. In these areas, residents should expect freshet like water levels and flows. Parks Canada staff are closely monitoring the water levels in Bobs Lake and Christie Lake, and operations at the Bolingbroke Dam.

A FLOOD WATCH continues for the low-lying areas along Stevens Creek and Taylor Drain in the Village of North Gower; however, water levels are expected to be less than those that have already been seen this spring.

A FLOOD OUTLOOK is being maintained/issued for the following areas:

• Properties around Bob’s Lake and Tay River in the upper Rideau Valley Watershed. In these areas, residents should expect spring like water levels and flows. Parks Canada staff are closely monitoring the water levels in Bobs Lake and Christie Lake, and operations at the Bolingbroke Dam will take place as required, to balance the levels in Bobs Lake and Christie Lake.
• Properties around the Long Reach (Burritts Rapids to Kars) of the Rideau River.
• Properties around the smaller creeks and streams in the lower Rideau Valley Watershed, including the low-lying roads and waterfront properties adjacent to the Jock River (near Richmond).
• Any connected creeks or ditches.

Extreme caution should be exercised by everyone when near local waterbodies. Please note that riverbanks are very slippery at this time of year and it’s quite easy for a child or adult to inadvertently fall into the water. Parents should inform their children of the risks and provide appropriate supervision.

Residents in flood prone or low-lying areas, historically susceptible to flooding, should continue to 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 April 9, 2020, at 5 p.m. and will be updated at that time unless the forecast or conditions change.

"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.

(WCS – R04/2023)

RIDEAU VALLEY, March 30, 2023 – A Flood Watch has been issued for the Rideau Valley as a rainy weekend mixes with the residual snowpack still intact in some areas after a cool March. Potential flooding could begin to impact low-lying areas as early as Saturday and continue throughout next week.

Since early March, we have experienced a very gradual snow melt with some precipitation across the Rideau Valley Watershed.  As such, snow remains in some parts of our watershed, most prominently in the City of Ottawa and the Tay River watershed, which indicates a potential for flooding in low-lying areas adjacent to any rivers, creeks or ditches.

The short-term weather forecast indicates rain amounts of 20-30 mm and mild temperatures on Saturday April 1, with cooler temperatures on Sunday. The longer-term forecast indicates milder temperatures throughout next week with potential rain. 

Based on the above forecast, water levels and flows are expected to increase in all waterways in the Rideau Valley Watershed, beginning on Saturday and continuing throughout next week. The degree of increase will depend on precipitation amounts and temperatures, and may result in flooding within the following areas:

• Smaller creeks and streams in the lower Rideau Valley Watershed, including in the City of Ottawa. This includes low-lying roads and waterfront properties adjacent to Stevens Creek and any connected creeks or ditches (near North Gower), and agricultural lands along Cranberry Creek.
• The Rideau River near Becketts Landing and Kemptville Creek, particularly the areas around Hilly Lane, Rideau Glen Lane, Golf Course Lane, and Barts Lane. Access concerns may arise for Cedar Beach Lane.
• The Rideau River near Kars, particularly the areas around Lorne Bridge Road and Rideau Street South.

With the elevated conditions, potential exists for further impacts if significant additional rain were to occur before the water levels and flows begin to recede.

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 continues to melt. 

City of Ottawa crews have completed their annual ice removal program on the Rideau River between Rideau Falls and Bronson Avenue. 

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 Tuesday, April 11, 2023 and may be updated at that time unless the forecast or conditions change.

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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.

(WCS – R05/2023)

RIDEAU VALLEY, April 6, 2023 – A combined Flood Warning and Flood Watch is in effect for the Rideau Valley following a significant rain/freezing rain event yesterday. Flood conditions are present in many low-lying areas adjacent to several rivers, creeks and ditches. Additional areas have the potential to flood over the next few days, especially because of snow remaining within the City of Ottawa and the Tay River watershed.

The short-term weather forecast indicates no precipitation for next few days. Daytime temperatures will generally be above zero and night-time temperatures will be below zero for next few days. Temperatures are expected to stay above zero moving into next week.  

Based on the above, water levels and flows are expected to increase or remain elevated in all waterways in the Rideau Valley Watershed throughout next week. Some specific areas of concern are highlighted below:

A FLOOD WARNING is being issued for the following areas:

• Properties around Bob’s Lake, Christie Lake and Tay River in the upper Rideau Valley Watershed.  The water levels are expected to exceed full supply levels over the next 48 hours and may result in flooding for low-lying areas. Parks Canada staff are closely monitoring the water levels in Bobs Lake and Christie Lake, and operations at the Bolingbroke Dam will take place as required, to balance the levels in Bobs Lake and Christie Lake.  
• Flooding impacts are occurring and expected to continue in the following areas:
  • • Properties around the smaller creeks and streams in the lower Rideau Valley Watershed, including the low-lying roads and waterfront properties adjacent to Stevens Creek (near North Gower), and any connected creeks or ditches. 
    • The Rideau River near Becketts Landing and Kemptville Creek, particularly the areas around Hilly Lane, Rideau Glen Lane, Golf Course Lane, Barts Lane and Cedar Beach Lane.
    • The Rideau River near Kars, particularly the areas around Lorne Bridge Road and Rideau Street South.

A FLOOD WATCH is being issued for the following areas:

• Properties around Wolfe Lake and Big Rideau Lake 
• Properties along the Rideau River from Smiths Falls through Burritts Rapids
• The Rideau River near Becketts Landing and Kemptville Creek, particularly the areas around Eligh Lane, Fennel Lane, Lannin Lane, Sheppard Lane, McGahey Lane, Sheilas Way and Harris Road
• Low-lying properties (close to Rideau River) on Rideau River Lane and the community of Rideau Gardens.

With the elevated conditions, potential exists for further impacts if significant additional rain or rapid snow melt were to occur before the water levels and flows begin to recede.

Due to the presence of ice cover on the lakes mentioned above and the anticipated water level increases, there is a concern for shoreline damage due to large pieces of ice becoming mobile.  

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, April 14, 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.

(WCS - 06/2023)

April 8, 2023 – The Flood Warning and Flood Watch issued on April 6, 2023 remains in effect for the Rideau Valley watershed. Flood conditions are present in many low-lying areas adjacent to several rivers, lakes, creeks and ditches. Additional areas have the potential to flood next week, as the remaining snow within the City of Ottawa and the Tay River watershed is expected to finish melting due to multiple days with high temperatures in the double digits.

The short-term weather forecast indicates no precipitation for next few days. Staring on Monday April 10, 2023, temperatures will remain above zero all day with high temperatures in the double digits.

Based on the above, water levels and flows are generally expected to either remain elevated or increase in all waterways in the Rideau Valley Watershed throughout next week. Some specific areas of concern are highlighted below:

A FLOOD WARNING remains for the following areas:

• Properties around Bob’s Lake, Christie Lake and Tay River in the upper Rideau Valley Watershed. Parks Canada staff are closely monitoring the water levels in Bobs Lake and Christie Lake, and operations at the Bolingbroke Dam will take place as required, to balance the levels in Bobs Lake and Christie Lake.
• Flooding impacts are occurring and expected to continue in the following areas:
  • Properties around the smaller creeks and streams in the lower Rideau Valley Watershed, including the low-lying roads and waterfront properties adjacent to Stevens Creek (near North Gower), and any connected creeks or ditches. Although water levels have receded, some risk of further increase exists with the remaining snowpack.
  • The Rideau River between Becketts Landing and Manotick, including Kemptville Creek. The water levels throughout this reach are expected to remain high for at least the next week.

A FLOOD WATCH remains for the following areas:

• Properties around Big Rideau Lake, Upper Rideau Lake, and along the Rideau River from Smiths Falls through Burritts Rapids.
• Low-lying properties (close to Rideau River) on Rideau River Lane and the community of Rideau Gardens. Water levels in this area will remain elevated for at least the next week and may increase somewhat as the snowmelt continues upstream.

With the elevated conditions, potential exists for further impacts if significant additional rain were to occur before the water levels and flows begin to recede.

Due to the presence of ice cover on the lakes mentioned above and the anticipated water level increases, there is a concern for shoreline damage due to large pieces of ice becoming mobile.

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, April 14, 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.

(WCS - 07/2023)

April 11, 2023 – The previous Flood Warning and Flood Watch messages issued on April 6th and 8^th, 2023 are being updated to reflect current conditions. Rainfall amounts between 40 and 70 mm fell across the Rideau Valley Watershed on April 5, 2023, resulting in increased water levels and flows across the watershed which caused flood conditions in many low-lying areas adjacent to several rivers, lakes, creeks and ditches. Since that time, water levels have peaked and are receding in most areas, except those areas discussed below.

The short-term weather forecast indicates no precipitation for the next four days. Temperatures are forecasted to remain above zero each day with high temperatures in the double digits. Although mostly melted, some snow remains within the City of Ottawa and the Tay River watershed. The remaining snow is expected to melt over next few days, and will have minimal impact on water levels, except for those areas discussed below.

A FLOOD WARNING remains for the following areas:

• Properties around Bob’s Lake, Christie Lake in the Tay River Watershed. Parks Canada staff are closely monitoring the water levels in Bobs Lake and Christie Lake, and operations at the Bolingbroke Dam will take place as required, to balance the levels in Bobs Lake and Christie Lake.

The FLOOD WARNING previously issued for the areas below has been TERMINATED:

• Properties around the smaller creeks and streams in the lower Rideau Valley Watershed, including the low-lying roads and waterfront properties adjacent to Stevens Creek (near North Gower), and any connected creeks or ditches.  
• The Rideau River between Becketts Landing and Manotick, including Kemptville Creek.

A FLOOD WATCH remains for the following areas:

• Properties around Big Rideau Lake

With the elevated conditions, the potential exists for further impacts if significant additional rain were to occur across the watershed.

Due to the presence of ice cover on the lakes mentioned above and the anticipated water level increases, there is a concern for shoreline damage due to large pieces of ice becoming mobile.  

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 Tuesday, April 18, 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.