(WCS – R03/2024)
February 26, 2024 – Unseasonably warm temperatures combined with significant rainfall is expected to trigger a widespread melt across the Rideau Valley Watershed this week. Temperatures are expected to rise significantly on Tuesday, February 27 and last until Thursday, February 29, with daily highs exceeding 10°C. Widespread precipitation is also expected during this period, with forecasts estimating between 20 and 30 mm of rainfall.

Although snow conditions are considered below normal for this time of year, the warm temperatures and added rain will trigger an accelerated melt. Beginning on Tuesday, water levels and flows are expected to increase in all waterways in the Rideau Valley Watershed. The degree of increase will depend on actual precipitation and temperatures over this period. If additional rainfall occurs between Tuesday and Thursday, flooding is possible on smaller creeks and streams in the Rideau Valley Watershed, including Stevens Creek and any connected creeks or ditches (near North Gower) which are highly susceptible to spring flooding. This short-term forecast does not suggest flooding will occur along the Rideau River, however the elevated water levels and flows will make the region more susceptible to flooding if another storm event occurs in the near future.

While significant flooding is not anticipated at this time, it is advised that residents adjacent to smaller tributaries and streams take precautionary measures to protect their property, including:

• Ensuring sump pumps are clear, in good working condition and have 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

With the expected temperature shift over 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 Monday, Mar. 04, 2024 at 5 PM or until an update has been issued.

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More Information:

Contact: Justin Robert, Hydrometric Data Specialist 
Rideau Valley Conservation Authority
613-692-6841, 1-800-267-3504 ext. 1194

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 – R02/2024)

February 9, 2024 – Caution is advised as above normal temperatures are forecasted for the Rideau Valley Watershed this weekend. Environment Canada’s short-term weather forecast indicates above-zero temperatures approaching 10 degrees Celsius on Friday and Saturday. On Sunday and Monday, the temperatures are forecast to approach 5 degrees Celsius before cooling off to more seasonal below-zero temperatures next week. Less than 5 mm of precipitation is expected on Friday and Saturday. 

Water levels and flows are generally average for this time of year across the Rideau Valley Watershed. Although no significant flooding is anticipated, water levels and flows are expected to increase in all creeks and streams in the Rideau Valley Watershed in the coming days. Residents adjacent to 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.

The warm temperatures and increased water levels may destabilize existing ice cover, creating unstable conditions and the potential for ice jams.

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. 

This watershed conditions statement is in effect until Friday, February 16, 2024 at 5 PM or until an update has been issued.

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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.

RIDEAU VALLEY, February 5, 2024 – A new detailed analysis from the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA) has found many parts of the Rideau River Watershed are changing fast – and not always with positive results. 

The RVCA’s 193-page Watershed Conditions Report is the first of its kind in more than 50 years. It compiles recent and historical monitoring data to assess trends regarding surface and ground water quality, aquatic ecosystem health, hydrological function, natural hazard risks and the status of critical green infrastructure such as wetlands, forests and natural shorelines.

The analysis found several concerning trends including a continuing steep decline in large woodland patches, increasing chloride levels in our urban streams, and large shifts in surface water flow patterns linked to increased development and loss of wetlands. 

The report also identifies knowledge gaps for natural hazard risks such as flooding, erosion and landslides in some parts of the watershed, as well as gaps in robust groundwater quality monitoring in rural communities where private wells are the most common source of drinking water.

“This document will provide invaluable insights for the RVCA and its partners as we continue to strive for balance between conserving our natural resources and helping build safe and thriving communities,” said RVCA General Manager Sommer Casgrain-Robertson. “The issues identified here do not come as a surprise, but now we have data and analysis that will allow us to take targeted action and make measurable improvements for the benefit of all.” 

Completion of the conditions report is the first step in the development of a Watershed Management Strategy, which aims to identify areas of concern and then create a strategy to address them. This process will include public consultation later in 2024. 

“We look forward to partnering with First Nations, our member municipalities,  partners, stakeholders and the public to develop a strategy that promotes prosperity and health for the entire watershed for generations to come,” Casgrain-Robertson said. 

The RVCA’s Watershed Conditions Report can be accessed online at www.rvca.ca/conditions-report. To learn more about the conditions report or to receive notifications about upcoming public consultation proceedings, contact . 

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