Displaying items by tag: spring freshet
Flood Warning – Update #3: Water Levels Continue to Decline Across the Rideau Valley Except in Upper Watershed Lakes
(WCS - 08/2023)
April 18, 2023 – The previous Flood Warning and Flood Watch messages issued on April 6th, 8th and 11th 2023 are being updated to reflect current conditions. Unlike the Ottawa River Watershed which is currently experiencing high water conditions, the water levels and flows in the Rideau Valley Watershed are declining and approaching seasonal levels in all waterways except for Bobs Lake and Christie Lake.
These lakes are near capacity and although the water level increases are now almost stabilized, the water levels may still increase with any significant rain. The current forecast indicates between 25 mm and 35 mm of rain could fall next Sunday. As such, the water levels in Bobs Lake and Christie Lake will likely increase due to the forecasted rain. Parks Canada staff are closely monitoring the water levels in these lakes, and operations at the Bolingbroke Dam will take place as required, to balance the levels in Bobs Lake and Christie Lake.
At this time, a FLOOD WARNING is being maintained for properties around Bobs Lake and Christie Lake.
The FLOOD WATCH issued on April 6th, 2023 for the properties around Big Rideau Lake is now over.
Residents in flood-prone or low-lying areas that are 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 Friday, April 28, 2023 and may be updated at that time unless the forecast or conditions change.
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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.
(WCS - 09/2023)
April 25, 2023 – The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority is terminating the FLOOD WARNING that was previously in effect and issuing a FLOOD WATCH for properties around Bobs Lake and Christie Lake.
The water levels on Bobs and Christie Lakes continue to decline but these lakes are near capacity and water levels may still increase with any significant rain. The current forecast indicates between 25 mm and 45 mm of rain could fall between Saturday and next Tuesday. Parks Canada staff are closely monitoring the water levels in these lakes, and operations at the Bolingbroke Dam will take place as required to balance the levels in Bobs Lake and Christie Lake.
Water levels are now near seasonal in the rest of the Rideau Valley Watershed.
Everyone should remain cautious around lakes and streams as water levels continue to fluctuate. Children should be reminded of the hazards and adequately supervised around all watercourses.
This watershed conditions statement is in effect until Tuesday, May 9, 2023 and will be updated at that time unless the forecast or conditions change.
-end-
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.
Flood Watch and Water Safety: Significant Rain Expected to Increase Water Levels Throughout the Rideau Valley
(WCS - 10/2023)
April 28, 2023 – The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority is maintaining a FLOOD WATCH for properties around Bobs Lake and Christie Lake and issuing a WATER SAFETY for the entire Rideau Valley Watershed.
Environment Canada is forecasting significant rainfall starting on Saturday April 29, and continuing through next Tuesday. This forecasted rainfall is expected to cause all water levels and flows to increase throughout the Rideau Valley Watershed. Except as noted below, most water levels and flows are currently at seasonal levels, so it is expected that this rain event will not cause any significant flooding, but it could cause localized flooding in small watercourses, urban areas and ditches.
The water levels on Bobs and Christie Lakes are near lake capacity and water levels are expected to increase with this rain event and may approach flood levels. Parks Canada staff are closely monitoring the water levels in these lakes, and operations at the Bolingbroke Dam will take place as required to balance the levels in Bobs Lake and Christie Lake.
The RVCA reminds the public to exercise extreme caution around all waterbodies and remind children about the dangers of playing near open water. Residents are reminded to make sure their sump pumps are in good working condition and to help reduce ponding by keeping ditches, culverts, and storm drains clear of obstructions.
This watershed conditions statement is in effect until Tuesday, May 9, 2023 at 5 PM and will be updated at that time unless the forecast or conditions change.
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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.
Flood Watch and Water Safety: Bobs and Christie Lakes Still High; Caution Advised Near All Large Water Bodies
(WCS – R11/2023)
May 9, 2023 – A FLOOD WATCH is being maintained for properties around Bobs Lake and Christie Lake. Furthermore, a WATER SAFETY statement is being maintained for the entire Rideau Valley Watershed.
The water levels on Bobs and Christie Lakes remain high and are above average for this time of year due to the recent significant rain event. The current forecast indicates little rain for the next 5 days which is favourable for water level decreases, however another large rainfall could cause water levels to increase again. Parks Canada staff are closely monitoring the water levels in these lakes. Operations at the Bolingbroke Dam will take place as required to balance the levels in Bobs Lake and Christie Lake.
Water levels and flows in the rest of the Rideau Valley Watershed are generally above average for this time of year due to the recent significant rain event, but are declining.
The RVCA reminds the public to exercise extreme caution around all waterbodies and dam structures and remind children about the dangers of playing near open water. MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE ADVISED TO NOT USE THE RIDEAU RIVER FOR RECREATIONAL PURPOSES UNTIL WATER LEVELS RECEDE TO SAFER LEVELS.
This watershed conditions statement is in effect until Tuesday May 23, 2023 at 5 PM and will be updated at that time unless the forecast or conditions change.
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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.
