Watershed Conditions Statements
March 08, 2022
Spring Flood Outlook: Current Conditions Favourable for Slow Snow Melt Across the Watershed
(WCS – R03/2022)March 8, 2022 – The winter of 2021/22 is quickly coming to an end, and RVCA’s Flood Forecasting team is working closely with its municipal and agency partners to prepare for potential spring flooding. To date, the spring flood outlook remains positive. December was generally mild with below average precipitation, while temperatures in January were well below normal. Precipitation in January was also below normal but a large storm mid-January left almost 50 cm of snow on the ground. In February, both the temperature and precipitation amounts were very close to normal. Early March conditions at several RVCA and…
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Watershed Conditions Statements
March 04, 2022
Mild Temperatures and Rain on Sunday May Increase Water Levels and Flows and Cause Unstable Ice Across Watershed
(WCS – R02/2022)March 4, 2022 – Environment Canada is forecasting temperatures above 10 degrees Celcius and rain on Sunday. This weather event will likely result in elevated water runoff to all waterways because of snow melt and rainfall. Although no significant flooding is anticipated, water levels and flows are expected to increase in all waterways in the Rideau Valley Watershed. Depending on how much snow melts and rain falls, residents who are adjacent to the 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,…
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Watershed Conditions Statements
February 16, 2022
Precipitation, Mild Temperatures May Increase Water Levels and Flows and Cause Unstable Ice Across Watershed
(WCS – R01/2022)February 16, 2022 – Environment Canada is forecasting mild temperatures, with 15 to 25 mm of rain starting late today through Thursday afternoon followed by much cooler temperatures and possible snowfall accumulations of 10 to 20 cm of snow before mid-day on Friday. This weather event will likely result in elevated water runoff to all waterways because of snow melt and high rainfall amounts before freezing up again. Although no significant flooding is anticipated, water levels and flows are expected to increase in all waterways in the Rideau Valley Watershed. Depending on how much snow melts and rain…
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Watershed Conditions Statements
December 10, 2021
Rain and Mild Temperatures Expected to Increase Water Levels Throughout Rideau Watershed
(WCS - RO6/2021)December 10, 2021 – Environment Canada is forecasting rainfall amounts of 20 to 40 mm starting the evening of Friday, Dec. 10 and continuing through Saturday night. This forecasted rainfall together with mild temperatures will melt snow and create runoff, causing all water levels and flows to increase throughout the Rideau Valley Watershed. Because of a wet fall season, most water levels and flows are currently above normal. Although this rain and snow-melt event will not cause significant flooding, it could cause localized flooding in small watercourses, urban areas and ditches. The RVCA reminds the public to exercise extreme caution around all…
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Watershed Conditions Statements
October 06, 2021
Low Water Status Returned to “Normal” in Rideau Valley Watershed
(WCS-LW - 5/2021)October 6, 2021 – Watershed conditions in the Rideau Valley Watershed have returned to “Normal’ under the Ontario Low Water Response Program. With above average rainfall amounts across the watershed over the last month, stream flows and water levels have recovered from the previous low water status and are now above average for this time of year. Parks Canada continues to closely monitor the water levels throughout the Rideau Canal system inside the Rideau Valley watershed. Water levels in the reservoir lakes, located in the upper reaches of the Rideau Valley watershed, are now near normal for this time…
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Watershed Conditions Statements
(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…
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Watershed Conditions Statements
