May 4, 2018 – Water levels are expected to increase through the weekend on the Ottawa River.

As snowmelt runoff from the upper reaches of the Ottawa River watershed continues to work through the system, levels on the river in the Ottawa area are expected to rise. A weather system presently passing through the region will combine with the snowmelt to raise levels in low-lying shoreline areas that are typically flooded during spring freshet. More extensive flooding is not expected at this time.

Weather forecasts are presently indicating that next week will bring sun and warmer temperatures which will help cause levels to decline toward normal early summer levels.

Note that streambanks are slippery along the river, water is fast moving and still very cold. Children should be informed about the hazards and kept away from all watercourses as levels fluctuate with the spring weather.

This message in effect until May 7.

Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board http://ottawariver.ca/river-levels-flows.php#river-levels-flows-7-days for more information.