Displaying items by tag: rideau river

October 30, 2019 —This statement is to advise that the “Minor Low Water” status in the Rideau Valley Watershed is returned to “Normal’ under the Ontario Low Water Response Program.

With several significant rainfall events occurring during the last two weeks, the average 90-day rainfall measured at climate stations in and around the Rideau Valley Watershed is well above 80 per cent of normal for this time of year, which is a key indicator for Minor Low Water status. In the past 30 days, average rainfall has been greater than 100 per cent of normal. Looking ahead, the seven-day weather forecasts suggests we’ll continue to experience more rain, including a large rainfall event tomorrow.

Water levels in some of the smaller rivers and streams across the watershed were well below normal prior the significant rainfall events noted above. These water levels have now begun to increase, and this trend is expected to continue based on the weather forecast.

Conservation Authority staff continue to monitor conditions and communicate with water managers throughout the watershed. Updates to this message will be issued as conditions warrant.

More resources:

Ministry of Environment and Climate Change: https://www.ontario.ca/page/managing-your-water-well-times-water-shortage

Ontario’s Low Water Response program: https://www.ontario.ca/page/low-water-response-program.

RVCA website: www.rvca.ca

Hourly and daily streamflows and water levels: https://www.rvca.ca/watershed-monitoring-reporting/reporting/streamflow-water-levels.

— end —

December 2, 2019 – Local Conservation Authorities are pleased with the findings of the independent review of the Spring 2019 flood. Retained by the Ontario Government, Special Advisor on Flooding Douglas NcNeil recognizes Ontario’s unique watershed-based Conservation Authority model and its success in minimizing flood risks and mitigating flood impacts.

Ottawa area Conservation Authorities (Mississippi, Rideau and South Nation) met with Mr. McNeil and other agencies in September to review the spring flood and discuss local experiences. Ideas were shared on how to improve protection of Ontario residents and their properties from flooding. The McNeil report contains 66 actions, and the three Conservation Authorities are pleased to see recommendations raised during those consultations in the report, including the need to:

• Update provincial guidance,
• Increase attention to floodplain mapping and the impacts of climate change,
• Conserve and restore green infrastructure like wetlands and forests that store water and reduce flooding, and
• Continue support for the role of Conservation Authorities in coordinating planning
  and action.

Specifically, the report, available at ontario.ca/floodreport, encourages the Province to “consult with Conservation Authorities on their application of the natural hazards-based approach and the risk-based approach to managing flooding.”

Flood management is a shared responsibility among municipalities, emergency management officials, the Province, and Conservation Authorities. Authorities work closely with member municipalities to identify flood risk areas and to guide development activities outside of floodplains. The watershed-based approach has protected Ontarians for decades and has avoided millions in flood damages.

This approach has also built resilient communities that not only have flood control infrastructure but also important “green infrastructure” that reduces the impacts of climate change and flooding.

Local Conservation Authorities look forward to maintaining and improving flood management programs and are eager to assist the Province in implementing all of the recommendations outlined in the Flood Advisor’s report.

-End-

For more information:

Sally McIntyre, General Manager                             
Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority                
613-253-0006 ext. 223                                              
                                              

Sommer Casgrain-Robertson, General Manager
Rideau Valley Conservation Authority
613-692-3571 ext. 1214

Angela Coleman, General Manager
South Nation Conservation
613-984-2948

January 10, 2020 – Environment Canada is forecasting significant precipitation in the form of rain or drizzle, freezing rain, ice pellets and snow starting Friday and continuing into Sunday with the greatest precipitation amounts on Saturday. There remains a considerable amount of uncertainty on exact precipitation amounts and what form it will take, however, rainfall amounts of between 50 and 75 mm are possible throughout the Rideau Valley watershed. 

Although no significant flooding is anticipated, water levels and flows are expected to increase in all waterways in the Rideau Valley Watershed. Depending on how much rain falls, residents who are adjacent to the smaller creeks and streams are advised to keep a close watch on water levels and flows and 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

With the expected increase in water levels and flows in the coming days, 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.

This watershed conditions statement is in effect until Tuesday January 14, 2020 at 5 PM or until an update has been issued.

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.

January 14, 2020 – With high water levels and fast flows all across the Rideau Valley Watershed, the ice cover (where present) 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.

On average, 50mm of rain fell across the Rideau Valley Watershed last Saturday before the temperature dropped to below freezing, resulting in significantly elevated water levels and flows in all waterways. The smaller creeks and waterways were impacted the most with ‘bankfull’ conditions observed in some areas, although the water levels are now stable or receding.

Although the flow in the Rideau River, our largest river, peaked at four times its average flow for this time of year at the Carleton University gauge, the flow increase did not result in any observed ‘bankfull’ conditions along the river. With the exception of tomorrow, the weather forecast is indicating below zero temperatures for the next several days so water levels and flows are expected to decline.

Please note that the RVCA does not monitor ice conditions. The RVCA’s Flood Forecasting and Warning team will continue monitoring weather, snowpack, water level and flow conditions and issue updates as required.

This watershed conditions statement is in effect until Monday January 20, 2020 at 5 PM or until an update has been issued.

"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.

March 9, 2020 (WCS – R03/2020) — The winter of 2019-20 has been warmer than average with near-average snowfall amounts. On January 11, about 50 mm of rain fell across the Rideau Valley Watershed, resulting in temporarily elevated water levels and flows in all waterways, and a noticeable ice layer within the snowpack. Current conditions at several RVCA and Parks Canada snow course sites are indicating above average water content amounts in the snow for this time of year.

The current short-term forecast indicates daytime high temperatures above zero and below zero conditions at night with precipitation expected tomorrow (up to 15 mm) and Friday (up to 20 mm). This forecast is favourable for ongoing snow melting. If the temperatures and precipitation come as forecast, much of the snow is expected to melt which will make water levels and flows rise over the coming weeks. This gradual process would result in average flooding this spring across the Rideau Valley watershed with inundation limited to low lying areas along all waterways. However, any significant rain events greater than 25 mm and/or significant temperature increases could influence actual flood conditions as we move through March and into April.

Water levels on lakes and flows in the streams are presently about 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 as the snowpack continues 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. 

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

This watershed conditions statement is in effect until March 31, 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.