Displaying items by tag: rideau river

(WCS – R03/2022)
March 8, 2022 – The winter of 2021/22 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. 

To date, the spring flood outlook remains positive. December was generally mild with below average precipitation, while temperatures in January were well below normal. Precipitation in January was also below normal but a large storm mid-January left almost 50 cm of snow on the ground. In February, both the temperature and precipitation amounts were very close to normal. Early March conditions at several RVCA and Parks Canada snow course sites indicated near normal amounts of snow for this time of year. However, some snow was lost due to mild temperatures on Sunday, March 6. Water levels and flows across the watershed are now near normal for early March.

The current short-term weather forecast indicates daytime high temperatures near zero and night-time low temperatures below zero for the next five days. The forecast also indicates some mixed precipitation during this same time-period. 

If the temperatures come as forecast over the next few days, limited snowmelt is expected across the Rideau Valley watershed and is unlikely to cause any significant flooding. Parks Canada staff who manage the water levels for the Rideau Canal have indicated that the levels in lakes are expected to rise in the upper watershed lakes as the snowpack begins to melt. 

Beyond the short-term forecast discussed above, it is difficult to predict what’s in store for flooding conditions in the Rideau Valley Watershed, since flood conditions are a result of natural processes that vary from year to year based on snowmelt, temperature increases and precipitation events. It is important to be prepared for possible flood conditions for the next few weeks as the winter comes to an end.

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 call City of Ottawa’s information line at 311).

With rising water levels expected over the coming weeks, ice cover on lakes, ditches, local streams, and rivers will 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. Keep pets leashed near waterbodies, as well.

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 March 15, 2022, at 5 p.m. and will be updated at that time unless the forecast or conditions change first.

-end-

More Information:
Contact: Brian Stratton, RVCA Manager Engineering Services
Rideau Valley Conservation Authority

613-692-6804, 1-800-267-3504 ext. 1141

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 – R04/2022)
March 15, 2022 – The current short-term weather forecast indicates warm daytime temperatures this week, with Thursday’s temperature above 10 degrees Celsius, and night-time low temperatures near zero. The short-term forecast also indicates that a substantial rain event could occur on Sat. March 19.

Current conditions at several RVCA and Park Canada snow course sites indicate near normal amounts of snow for this time of year.

If the temperatures come as forecast in the coming days, significant snowmelt is expected across the Rideau Valley watershed. This will increase water levels and cause some flooding in all low-lying areas, especially those identified below. Forecasted rain later in the week may further increase water levels throughout the watershed. Parks Canada staff who manage the water levels for the Rideau Canal have indicated that the levels in lakes are expected to rise in the upper watershed lakes as the snowpack melts.

Some specific areas of concern are highlighted below:

A FLOOD WATCH is being issued for all the low-lying areas along Stevens Creek and Taylor Drain in the Village of North Gower.

A FLOOD OUTLOOK is being issued for all the low-lying areas around the smaller creeks and streams in the Rideau Valley Watershed, including any connected creeks or ditches.

Extreme caution should be exercised by everyone when near local waterbodies. Parents should inform their children of the risks and provide appropriate supervision. Pets should be leashed near all bodies of water. 

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 March 15, 2022, at 5 p.m. and will be updated at that time unless the forecast or conditions change first.

-end-

More Information:
Contact: Brian Stratton, RVCA Manager Engineering Services
Rideau Valley Conservation Authority

613-692-6804, 1-800-267-3504 ext. 1141

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 – R05/2022)

March 23, 2022 – The current short-term weather forecast indicates mostly above zero temperatures until Sunday and possibly 30 – 50 mm of rain from Thursday to Saturday. Although much of the snow has already melted, some snow remains in the watershed, especially in the upper watershed areas.

The forecasted rain and on-going snowmelt are expected to keep water levels elevated and cause some flooding in all low-lying areas, especially those identified below. Parks Canada staff who manage the water levels for the Rideau Canal have indicated that water levels in upper watershed lakes will continue to rise as the snowpack melts.

Some specific areas of concern are highlighted below:

A FLOOD WATCH continues for all the low-lying areas along Stevens Creek and Taylor Drain in the Village of North Gower.

A FLOOD OUTLOOK continues for all the low-lying areas around the smaller creeks and streams in the Rideau Valley Watershed, including any connected creeks or ditches.

Extreme caution should be exercised by everyone when near local waterbodies. Parents should inform their children of the risks and provide appropriate supervision. Pets should be leashed near all bodies of water. Please contact your municipality if you see any ice jams that are causing localized flooding.

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 March 31, 2022, at 5 p.m. and will 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

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 – R06/2022)

March 25, 2022 – The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority is terminating the FLOOD WATCH for the Village of North Gower but a FLOOD OUTLOOK continues for all the low-lying areas around the smaller creeks and streams in the Rideau Valley Watershed, including any connected creeks or ditches.

The current short-term weather forecast indicates cooler, mostly below zero temperatures, for the next five days with limited precipitation. Although much of the snow has already melted, some snow remains in the watershed, especially in the upper watershed areas.

Parks Canada staff who manage the water levels for the Rideau Canal have indicated that the water levels in some of the upper watershed reservoir lakes are significantly increasing due to snowmelt and recent rainfall. More specifically, the water levels in the Upper Rideau and Big Rideau Lakes are increasing and measures are being taken to reduce the rate of increase. The releases from these lakes will be done to minimize downstream impacts. However, areas along the Rideau River between Smiths Falls and Merrickville should expect elevated water levels and flows for the next few days.

The current forecast along with Parks Canada operations indicate no significant flooding across the watershed at this time, although the areas between Smiths Falls and Merrickville will experience temporarily elevated water levels and flows.

Extreme caution should be exercised by everyone when near local waterbodies. Parents should inform their children of the risks and provide appropriate supervision. Pets should be leashed near all bodies of water. Please contact your municipality if you see any ice jams that are causing localized flooding.

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 1, 2022, at 5 p.m. and will 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

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 – R06/2022)

April 1, 2022 – The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority is issuing a HIGH WATER SAFETY message for all areas. Water levels and flows are declining for most areas of the Rideau Valley Watershed, except for the reservoir lakes which are discussed below.

The short-term forecast indicates mostly above zero temperatures and limited precipitation, although there is a possible rain event coming later next week. The snow has melted across the lower watershed, but some snow remains in the upper watershed, near Perth.

Parks Canada staff who manage the water levels for the Rideau Canal are carefully watching the water levels in the upper watershed lakes. The water levels in the Upper Rideau and Big Rideau Lakes are high but are no longer increasing. The water levels in Bobs and Christie lakes continue to rise due to on-going snowmelt and will be managed depending on the rain amounts next week and inflow responses in both watersheds. 

Extreme caution should be exercised by everyone when near local waterbodies. Parents should inform their children of the risks and provide appropriate supervision. Pets should be leashed near all bodies of water. Please contact your municipality if you see any ice jams that are causing localized flooding.

This watershed conditions statement is in effect until April 15, 2022 at 5 PM. No further updates will be issued 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.