Displaying items by tag: water safety

(WCS – R05/2021)
September 22, 2021 – Environment Canada is forecasting rainfall amounts of 60 to 90 mm starting today through early Friday morning, with a few localities possibly exceeding 100 mm. The higher amounts are forecasted for the upper part of the Rideau Valley Watershed. This widespread rainfall event is due to a cold front and a moisture-laden low pressure system that will arrive from the American Midwest.

Because the Rideau Valley Watershed is currently in a ‘minor low water condition,’ all water levels and flows are currently below normal, so significant flooding is not expected. However, this large rain event will cause all water levels and flows to increase rapidly and could cause localized flooding in small watercourses, urban areas and ditches. 

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, September 28, 2021 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

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.

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.

Water Conditions Statement: Flood Outlook — Lower Ottawa River

April 27, 2022 —  

The Flood Outlook Statement issued on April 14^th is still in effect for areas along the Lower Ottawa River (Arnprior to Hawkesbury). 

 Water levels and flows on the main stem of the Ottawa River are expected to increase in most locations over the next few days in response to combined snowmelt from the northern part of the basin and recent rainfall. Levels are expected to be similar to those experienced about one week ago in most locations before starting to decline. Reservoirs throughout the basin are being used to partially store runoff from the northern areas.

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, and the Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry monitor water levels and weather forecasts 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.

This FLOOD OUTLOOK STATEMENT is in effect until May 18, 2022 at 5:00 PM. No further updates will be issued unless the forecast or conditions change. 

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.

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

Le 27 avril 2022 — 

Le bulletin de prévision des crues émis le 14 avril est toujours en vigueur pour les régions situées le long du cours inférieur de la rivière des Outaouais (d'Arnprior à Hawkesbury). 

On s'attend à ce que les niveaux et les débits d'eau du cours principal de la rivière des Outaouais augmentent en de nombreux endroits au cours des prochains jours, en raison de la fonte de neige combinée aux récentes précipitations dans la partie nord du bassin. Les niveaux devraient être semblables à ceux d'il y a environ une semaine dans la plupart des endroits avant de commencer à baisser. On utilise les réservoirs du bassin pour stocker partiellement les eaux de ruissellement provenant des régions du nord.

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 ainsi que le Ministère du Développement du Nord, des Mines, des Richesses naturelles et des Forêts surveillent les niveaux d'eau et les prévisions météorologiques 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.

Ce COMMUNIQUÉ DE PERSPECTIVE DE CRUE est en vigueur jusqu'au 18 mai 2022 à 17 h. Aucune autre mise à jour ne sera publiée, à moins que les prévisions ou les conditions ne changent.

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.

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(WCS – R09/2022)

December 21, 2022 – Caution is advised as a major winter storm makes its way to the Rideau Valley this week. Environment Canada’s short-term weather forecast indicates precipitation will begin as rain or snow late Thursday, Dec. 22 before transitioning to rain on Friday. Rainfall amounts of up to 40 mm are forecasted for Friday before the temperature drops below zero. Falling temperatures will be accompanied by strong winds along with more snow.

Water levels and flows are generally low to 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 waterways 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, 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

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 Monday, Dec. 26, 2022 at 5 PM or until an update has been issued.

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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

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 – R10/2022)

December 30, 2022 – The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority is extending the Water Safety Statement issued on December 21, 2022 due to a prolonged warming trend and forecasted rainfall over the next few days.

Above zero temperatures are expected to continue late into next week, with forecasted rainfall of 20-30 mm through the weekend. These conditions will likely accelerate the release of the existing snowpack and will result in increased flows and water levels throughout the Rideau Valley watershed.

With rising water levels expected over the next few 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. Keep pets leashed near waterbodies, as well.

At this time, no significant flooding is anticipated, however 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, 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, January 6, 2023 at 5 PM or until an update has been issued

-end-

"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.