APRIL 21, 2019, The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA), in conjunction with the Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority (MVCA) and South Nation Conservation (SNC) is maintaining our FLOOD WARNING issued on April 19, 2019 for the areas under our jurisdiction along the Ottawa River.
The latest model run for the Ottawa River indicates that some areas of the Ottawa River are expected to peak today while others will be closer to the end of the week.
There is additional rain expected over the northern portion of the watershed that could impact levels and flows later in the week.
All flood-prone areas along the Ottawa River from Lac Coulonge down to the Montreal Archipelago are at risk.
MVCA areas of concern: Based on the most recent model outputs from the Ottawa River Regulation Committee (ORRC), water levels in the Constance Bay area are projected to rise an additional 0.40 m above the current elevation over the next seven days. Levels are currently forecast to be about 0.40 m below those experienced at the height of the May 2017 flood. Updates to this projection will be provided as they become available.
RVCA areas of concern: Water levels from Britannia to Cumberland are expected to increase an additional 0.40 m above the current elevation over the next seven days. Levels are currently forecast to be about 0.25 m below those experienced at the height of the May 2017 flood. Updates to this projection will be provided as they become available.
SNC areas of concern: Water levels are expected to continue to be elevated along the Ottawa River in Clarence-Rockland and Alfred-Plantagenet and are projected to peak today at 42.95 m. Areas previously affected by the May 2017 flood are at greatest risk.
Due to the forecast uncertainty it is difficult to accurately predict how quickly water levels will rise and when river conditions may peak.
Residents in flood-prone areas are encouraged to closely follow evolving conditions and to take necessary measures. Residents are advised to stay away from watercourses where flows are high and where banks might be unstable. Parents are encouraged to explain these dangers to their children.
This FLOOD WARNING is in effect until Monday, April 22, 2019.
RVCA and its Ottawa partners, MVCA and SNC monitor the water levels and weather forecasts with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry as part of the Flood Forecasting and Warning Program. Updates are provided as conditions change.
The Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board will be reassessing forecast conditions and providing hydrological condition updates on its website daily at www.ottawariver.ca/forecast.php.
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"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.