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With High Snowpack, Be Prepared for Spring Flooding Across the Rideau Valley Watershed
March 6, 2019 – The winter of 2018-19 has been an old-fashioned winter with lots of snow (over 250 cm to-date) and no significant thaw events. As such, the snowpack throughout the Rideau Valley Watershed is well above average. Current conditions at several RVCA snow course sites are indicating near record water content amounts in the snow for this time of year, generally not seen since the late 1970s.
Based solely on the fact we have above average water content, there is a potential for above average flooding this spring across the Rideau Valley Watershed, especially in low lying areas which have flooded in the past. However, the two other key factors influencing actual flood conditions are precipitation and temperatures as we move through March and into April. The current short-term forecast does not indicate any significant precipitation or above-seasonal temperatures; however, we know the daily temperature will begin to increase as we move through March.
Water levels on lakes and flows in the streams are presently at or slightly below normal for this time of year. Parks Canada staff who manage the water levels for the Rideau Canal have indicated that the levels will be maintained or lowered in the coming weeks to allow for water storage in the upper watershed lakes once the snowpack starts to melt.
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 information at 311).
With the changing levels that can be 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, there is also a concern for potential ice jams in local streams and rivers, as flows could quickly increase before the ice can melt. Residents are advised to monitor the river closely as spring progresses for signs of ice jams. RVCA staff will be monitoring conditions but we always welcome any unique observations from watershed residents.
There is also a concern for flooding along roadways due to current snow/ice build up 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
RVCA will continue to monitor conditions and will issue further statements when or if there is an indication that the situation can be expected to change significantly.
"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 area watercourses.
City Stream Watch 2018 Summary Report
City Stream Watch 2018 Black Creek
City Stream Watch 2018 Mud Creek
City Stream Watch 2018 Nepean Creek
City Stream Watch 2018 Taylor Creek
ATR - January-February 2019
New Animated Video Shows Where Your Drinking Water Comes From
Conservation Ontario has released a short, animated video so people can learn – in a fun way – about their sources of drinking water. The new video features a young man named Matt and his dog Buddy. The animated video opens with the question “Do you know where your drinking water comes from?” The video is only about a minute in length but that is enough time to provide an overview of drinking water source protection in Ontario. The video shows the groundwater and surface water (lakes and rivers) sources of our drinking water and how we all can help to prevent contamination by taking positive actions near municipal wells and intakes. The video was released on Water Wednesday, December 5, 2018. To learn more about the video, and protecting drinking water, visit www.mrsourcewater.ca and protectingwatermatters.ca.
“We are pleased to share this great interactive resource, a video is a fun way to engage the public and spread the important message of protecting our drinking water” said Marika Livingston, Project Manager of the Mississippi-Rideau Source Protection Region.
Staff from the Mississippi-Rideau Source Protection Region say the message of the video is very important – we all have a role to play – at home and at work – taking positive actions the help to keep our municipal drinking water safe and clean. The video is available in English and French. There is also a shorter, 20-second version. You can play the new video at this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nVrXvD5Eupw.
If you have any question about protection of drinking water sources in the Mississippi-Rideau Source Protection Region you are invited to visit www.mrsourcewater.ca or phone toll-free 1-888- 267-3504 ext. 1148.