Water Conditions Statement: Flood Outlook — Lower Ottawa River

April 14, 2022 —  A Flood Outlook Statement is being issued for areas along the Lower Ottawa River (Arnprior to Hawkesbury). Based on forecasted precipitation and anticipated snow melt, levels and flows along the Ottawa River are expected to increase over the next few days as a result of the onset of the spring freshet in the Ottawa River basin.

Snow cover varies significantly across the 146,300 km² Ottawa River basin, with most southern areas having no snow cover at all. A large portion of snow cover in the northern regions had
near-average water content at the end of March.

Based on current weather forecasts, minor flooding may occur in low-lying areas generally susceptible to flooding along the Lower Ottawa River starting this weekend. Levels are not expected to exceed the peak levels observed in 2020, and little to no impact to houses and buildings is expected. Water levels are currently expected to remain below major flood thresholds in all locations.

While there are currently no flooding indicators of concern, it is still too early to forecast peak river conditions which remain dependent on rainfall amounts received and snowmelt.

Residents in flood-prone areas are encouraged to closely follow changing 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 dangers to children.

The Mississippi Valley, Rideau Valley, and South Nation Conservation Authorities monitor water levels and weather forecasts with the Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry as part of the Flood Forecasting and Warning Program. Updates are provided as conditions change.

The Ottawa River Regulating Committee will be reassessing forecast conditions and providing hydrological condition updates on its website daily at www.ottawariver.ca/forecasts/.

To view current flood warnings across Ontario, visit: www.ontario.ca/law-and-safety/flood-forecasting-and-warning-program. A reference map from the ORRC with snowpack measurements from March 2022 is attached.

This FLOOD OUTLOOK STATEMENT is in effect until April 27, 2022 at 5:00 PM.

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Definitions:

• Water Conditions Statement: Water Safety: indicates that high flows, melting ice or other factors could be dangerous for such users as boaters, anglers and swimmers but flooding is not expected.

• Water Conditions Statement: Flood Outlook: gives early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts calling for heavy rain, snow melt, high winds or other conditions.

• Flood Watch: potential for flooding exists within specific watercourses and municipalities.

• Flood Warning: flooding is imminent or occurring within specific watercourses and municipalities.

Communiqué sur les conditions du bassin versant : Perspective de crue – Cours inférieur de la rivière des Outaouais

Le 14 avril 2022 — Un communiqué de perspective de crue est émis pour les régions situées le long du cours inférieur de la rivière des Outaouais (d'Arnprior à Hawkesbury). Selon les précipitations prévues et la fonte des neiges anticipée, les niveaux et les débits d’eau le long de la rivière des Outaouais devraient augmenter au cours des prochains jours en raison du début de la crue printanière dans le bassin de la rivière des Outaouais.

La couverture de neige varie considérablement à travers les 146 300 km² du bassin de la rivière des Outaouais, la plupart des régions du sud n'ayant aucune couverture de neige. Une grande partie de la couverture de neige dans les régions du nord avait une teneur en eau proche de la moyenne à la fin du mois de mars.

Selon les prévisions météorologiques actuelles, des inondations mineures pourraient se produire dans les basses terres généralement sujettes aux inondations le long du cours inférieur de la rivière des Outaouais à partir de cette fin de semaine. On ne s'attend pas à ce que les niveaux d’eau dépassent les niveaux de pointe observés en 2020, et on prévoit peu ou pas d'impact sur les maisons et les bâtiments. On s'attend actuellement à ce que les niveaux d'eau restent sous les seuils d'inondation majeurs dans tous les secteurs.

Bien qu'il n'y ait actuellement aucun indicateur d'inondation préoccupant, il est encore trop tôt pour prévoir les conditions de pointe de la rivière qui restent dépendantes des quantités de pluie reçues et de la fonte des neiges.

Les résidents des zones sujettes aux inondations sont invités à suivre de près l'évolution des conditions et à prendre les mesures nécessaires. Il est conseillé aux résidents de ne pas s'approcher des cours d'eau dont le débit est élevé et dont les berges pourraient être instables.
On conseille aussi aux parents d'expliquer ces dangers aux enfants.

Les offices de protection de la nature des rivières Mississippi, Rideau et de la Nation Sud surveillent les niveaux d'eau et les prévisions météorologiques avec le Ministère du Développement du Nord, des Mines, des Ressources naturelles et des Forêts dans le cadre du Programme de prévision des crues et d'avertissement du public. Des mises à jour sont communiquées au fur et à mesure que les conditions changent.

Le Comité de régularisation de la rivière des Outaouais réévaluera les conditions prévues et diffusera des mises à jour concernant les conditions hydrologiques sur son site Web tous les jours à www.ottawariver.ca/forecasts/.

Pour consulter les avertissements de crues actuels à travers l'Ontario, visitez : www.ontario.ca/law-and-safety/flood-forecasting-and-warning-program. Une carte de référence du CRRO avec les mesures de l'accumulation de neige de mars 2022 est incluse.

Ce COMMUNIQUÉ DE PERSPECTIVE DE CRUE est en vigueur jusqu'au 27 avril 2022 à 17 h.

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Définitions :

• Communiqué sur les conditions des bassins versants – Sécurité aquatique : indique que des débits forts, de la glace fondante ou d’autres facteurs peuvent être dangereux pour des utilisateurs comme les plaisanciers, les pêcheurs à la ligne et les baigneurs, mais qu’une crue n’est pas prévue.

• Communiqué sur les conditions des bassins versants – Perspective de crue :préavis de crue possible basé sur des prévisions de pluies abondantes, de fonte des neiges, de forts vents ou autre.

• Veille de crue :possibilité de crue pour des cours d’eau et municipalités spécifiques.

• Avertissement de crue : crue immimente ou en cours pour des cours d’eau et
  municipalités spécifiques.

(WCS – R08/2022)

April 6, 2022 – The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority is continuing with a HIGH WATER SAFETY message for all areas. Although water levels and flows are now declining for most areas of the Rideau Valley Watershed, except for the lakes which are discussed below, the forecasted rain will cause water levels and flows to increase in the coming days.

The short-term forecast indicates as much as 40 mm of rain may fall between Thursday, April 7 and Saturday, April 9. The snow has melted across the entire watershed. Although no significant flooding is anticipated, water levels and flows are expected to increase in all waterways in the Rideau Valley Watershed.

Parks Canada staff who manage the water levels for the Rideau Canal are carefully watching the water levels in the Upper Watershed lakes. The water levels in the Upper Rideau and Big Rideau Lakes are high and declining but expected to level off and increase due to the large rainfall event. The water levels in Bobs and Christie lakes will continue to rise due to the rain.

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. Please contact your municipality if you see any ice jams that are causing localized flooding.

This watershed conditions statement is in effect until April 21, 2022 at 5 PM. No further updates will be issued 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 – R06/2022)

April 1, 2022 – The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority is issuing a HIGH WATER SAFETY message for all areas. Water levels and flows are declining for most areas of the Rideau Valley Watershed, except for the reservoir lakes which are discussed below.

The short-term forecast indicates mostly above zero temperatures and limited precipitation, although there is a possible rain event coming later next week. The snow has melted across the lower watershed, but some snow remains in the upper watershed, near Perth.

Parks Canada staff who manage the water levels for the Rideau Canal are carefully watching the water levels in the upper watershed lakes. The water levels in the Upper Rideau and Big Rideau Lakes are high but are no longer increasing. The water levels in Bobs and Christie lakes continue to rise due to on-going snowmelt and will be managed depending on the rain amounts next week and inflow responses in both watersheds. 

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. Please contact your municipality if you see any ice jams that are causing localized flooding.

This watershed conditions statement is in effect until April 15, 2022 at 5 PM. No further updates will be issued 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.

OTTAWA, March 30, 2022 – Public consultation on the draft hazard mapping study for Stevens Creek from Malakoff Road to the Rideau River will continue until April 29, 2022. 

The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA), in collaboration with the City of Ottawa, has completed a hazard mapping study for Stevens Creek from Malakoff Road to the Rideau River. Virtual public consultation began late November 2021. Affected landowners were notified by mail and staff have been responding to inquiries by telephone calls, e-mail, virtual meetings, small group in-person meetings and site visits. In some cases the draft mapping has been refined based on site-specific information. 

With the recent easing of provincial COVID-19 restrictions, the RVCA is now able to host an in-person presentation and question and answer session to provide an additional opportunity for public consultation. 

Thursday, April 21, 2022
Alfred Taylor Recreation Centre
2300 Community Way, North Gower

Doors Open at 6:00 p.m.
Presentation begins at 6:15 p.m.
Question & Answer period to follow

Anyone unable to attend can contact an RVCA Resource at 613-692-3571, toll-free at 1-800-267-3504 or by email at .  Additional information is also available on our website at www.rvca.ca/stevens-creek. 

The new mapping shows areas that are subject to natural hazards such as flooding and unstable slopes or have important natural features such as wetlands. The goal of this mapping is to help ensure sound land use planning, development and resource management decisions are made that protect people and property. 

Once approved, the mapping will be used by the City of Ottawa when updating its Official Plan and Zoning Schedules and in the review of development applications under the Planning Act. RVCA will also use the mapping to guide the review of development applications submitted under the RVCA’s Development, Interference with Wetlands and Alterations to Shorelines and Watercourses Regulation.

This study is being done through a collaboration involving the City of Ottawa and the Rideau Valley, Mississippi Valley and South Nation Conservation Authorities. The City recognized a need to update its zoning schedules based on up-to-date hazard mapping and has provided contributions enabling the Conservation Authorities to move ahead with these studies sooner than would otherwise be possible. For a complete list on ongoing work, please visit www.rvca.ca.

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MANOTICK, April 5, 2022 – With another challenging year behind us, it’s clear the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority not only survived 2021, but thrived. 

The RVCA’s 2021 Annual Report is now available online. Despite continued disruption from the global pandemic, staff embarked on many special projects in 2021 that will continue into the coming year. This included: 

• installing 11 new climate stations across the watershed to improve our flood and drought forecasting, particularly in the face of a changing climate
• completing draft hazard mapping studies for the Upper Jock River and Stevens Creek
• kicking off an ambitious Watershed Report process to deliver a comprehensive snapshot of environmental conditions in the Rideau Valley 
• drafting updates to our planning and development policies to better align with provincial legislation and local needs 
• developing 5.5 hectares of new pollinator meadow habitat in Barrhaven in partnership with Hydro Ottawa and the Canadian Wildlife Federation

On top of this, RVCA staff continued to deliver our regular programs and services at record levels. In 2021, the RVCA: 

• welcomed 300,000 visitors to RVCA’s 11 conservation areas, up 50% over pre-pandemic numbers
• piloted a new virtual outdoor education program at Baxter Conservation Area, welcoming 1,612 students in partnership with the Ottawa Catholic School Board
• planted 230,100 trees throughout the watershed, with more than $356,000 fundraised
• Celebrated the 2 millionth tree planted through the City of Ottawa’s Green Acres program
• Completed 193 clean water projects and provided more than $478,000 in grants to rural farmers and landowners
• Naturalized 61 shoreline properties with 16,412 native trees and shrubs
• Distributed 1,440 free disease-tolerant butternut tree seedlings to landowners
• Dampled and surveyed dozens of streams, rivers and lakes for surface water quality, thanks in part to 13 community volunteers who filled lake sampling gaps created by COVID-19 limitations
• Issued 7 flood messages and 5 low water response messages
• Reviewed 1,874 Planning Act applications (site plan control, minor variances, severances, subdivision reviews and other development needs)
• Processed 1,376 septic system applications and inspections
• Processed a record 4,647 inquiries, applications, complaints and violations under the Conservation Authorities Act

The RVCA’s general manager Sommer Casgrain-Robertson also participated on the Province’s multi-stakeholder Conservation Authorities Working Group over the course of 2021 to provide input into new regulations under the Conservation Authorities Act.

“I am so proud of what the RVCA team has been able to accomplish under such challenging circumstances over the past two years,” said Casgrain-Robertson. “We have laid the groundwork for a healthy watershed, which in turn will support healthy communities, healthy economies and a healthy future. We look forward to a productive and exciting 2022.”

For your copy of the RVCA 2021 Annual Report, visit www.rvca.ca or call 613-692-3571 or 1-800-267-3504 for a hard copy.

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(WCS – R06/2022)

March 25, 2022 – The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority is terminating the FLOOD WATCH for the Village of North Gower but a FLOOD OUTLOOK continues for all the low-lying areas around the smaller creeks and streams in the Rideau Valley Watershed, including any connected creeks or ditches.

The current short-term weather forecast indicates cooler, mostly below zero temperatures, for the next five days with limited precipitation. Although much of the snow has already melted, some snow remains in the watershed, especially in the upper watershed areas.

Parks Canada staff who manage the water levels for the Rideau Canal have indicated that the water levels in some of the upper watershed reservoir lakes are significantly increasing due to snowmelt and recent rainfall. More specifically, the water levels in the Upper Rideau and Big Rideau Lakes are increasing and measures are being taken to reduce the rate of increase. The releases from these lakes will be done to minimize downstream impacts. However, areas along the Rideau River between Smiths Falls and Merrickville should expect elevated water levels and flows for the next few days.

The current forecast along with Parks Canada operations indicate no significant flooding across the watershed at this time, although the areas between Smiths Falls and Merrickville will experience temporarily elevated water levels and flows.

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. Please contact your municipality if you see any ice jams that are causing localized flooding.

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 April 1, 2022, at 5 p.m. 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

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 – R05/2022)

March 23, 2022 – The current short-term weather forecast indicates mostly above zero temperatures until Sunday and possibly 30 – 50 mm of rain from Thursday to Saturday. Although much of the snow has already melted, some snow remains in the watershed, especially in the upper watershed areas.

The forecasted rain and on-going snowmelt are expected to keep water levels elevated and cause some flooding in all low-lying areas, especially those identified below. Parks Canada staff who manage the water levels for the Rideau Canal have indicated that water levels in upper watershed lakes will continue to rise as the snowpack melts.

Some specific areas of concern are highlighted below:

A FLOOD WATCH continues for all the low-lying areas along Stevens Creek and Taylor Drain in the Village of North Gower.

A FLOOD OUTLOOK continues for all the low-lying areas around the smaller creeks and streams in the Rideau Valley Watershed, including any connected creeks or ditches.

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. Please contact your municipality if you see any ice jams that are causing localized flooding.

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 March 31, 2022, at 5 p.m. 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

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 – R04/2022)
March 15, 2022 – The current short-term weather forecast indicates warm daytime temperatures this week, with Thursday’s temperature above 10 degrees Celsius, and night-time low temperatures near zero. The short-term forecast also indicates that a substantial rain event could occur on Sat. March 19.

Current conditions at several RVCA and Park Canada snow course sites indicate near normal amounts of snow for this time of year.

If the temperatures come as forecast in the coming days, significant snowmelt is expected across the Rideau Valley watershed. This will increase water levels and cause some flooding in all low-lying areas, especially those identified below. Forecasted rain later in the week may further increase water levels throughout the watershed. Parks Canada staff who manage the water levels for the Rideau Canal have indicated that the levels in lakes are expected to rise in the upper watershed lakes as the snowpack melts.

Some specific areas of concern are highlighted below:

A FLOOD WATCH is being issued for all the low-lying areas along Stevens Creek and Taylor Drain in the Village of North Gower.

A FLOOD OUTLOOK is being issued for all the low-lying areas around the smaller creeks and streams in the Rideau Valley Watershed, including any connected creeks or ditches.

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. 

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 March 15, 2022, at 5 p.m. and will be updated at that time unless the forecast or conditions change first.

-end-

More Information:
Contact: Brian Stratton, RVCA Manager Engineering Services
Rideau Valley Conservation Authority

613-692-6804, 1-800-267-3504 ext. 1141

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.