April 23, 2019 – Rainfall amounts close to 50 mm fell over much of the Rideau Valley Watershed between last Thursday through Saturday.  This rain resulted in increased water levels and flows across the watershed over the Easter weekend.  Conditions have now stabilized and water levels and flows are declining in all areas.  The current forecast is calling for 10 to 20 mm of rain starting this evening and into Wednesday.  The forecasted rain is not expected to significantly increase water levels or flows.

At this time, a FLOOD WATCH is being issued for properties around Bob’s Lake and Christie Lake, as these lakes are at capacity and although the water level increases are now almost stabilized, the water levels may still increase with the forecasted rain.

The FLOOD WARNING issued last week (April 17, 2019) for the following areas is now over:

• Properties around Bob’s Lake, Christie Lake and Tay River in the upper Rideau Valley Watershed.
• Properties around Wolfe Lake in the upper Rideau Valley Watershed.
• Properties around the smaller creeks and streams in the lower Rideau Valley Watershed, including the low-lying roads and waterfront properties adjacent to the Jock River (near Richmond) and Stevens Creek (near North Gower), and any connected creeks or ditches.
• Properties around the Long Reach (Burritts Rapids to Kars) of the Rideau River.

The FLOOD WATCH issued last week (April 17, 2019) for the following areas is now over:

• Properties around Big Rideau Lake
• Properties along the Rideau River from Smiths Falls through Burritts Rapids
• Streets and parkland along the Rideau River on Belmont Avenue, on Rideau River Drive at Belmont Avenue, Windsor Park and Brantwood Park

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 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 Monday April 29, 2019 and will be updated at that time unless the forecast or conditions change.

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More Information:
Brian Stratton, RVCA Manager Engineering Services
Rideau Valley Conservation Authority
613-692-6804, 1-800-267-3504 ext. 1141
or cell 613-799-9423

Media Enquiries:
Diane Downey, RVCA Director of Communications and Outreach
Rideau Valley Conservation Authority
613-692-3571, 1-800-267-3504 ext. 1126
 or cell 613-698-9453

"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.