Watershed Conditions Statements
(WCS-LW - 3/2020) July 15, 2020 – This statement is to advise that the low water status in the Rideau River watershed continues to be at MODERATE severity under the Ontario Low Water Responses Program. Although varying amounts of rain fell across the watershed last weekend, the watershed has still received very little rainfall over the past three months. The average 90-day rainfall measured at climate stations in and around the watershed is below 60 per cent of normal for this time of year. In the past 30 days, average rainfall is below 45 per cent of normal. The recent hot weather…
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Watershed Conditions Statements
June 25, 2020 – This statement is to advise that the low water status in the Rideau River watershed is now at MODERATE severity under the Ontario Low Water Responses Program. Although some areas of the watershed have received more rain than others, the watershed has received very little rainfall over the past three months. The average 90-day rainfall measured at climate stations in and around the watershed is below 80 per cent of normal for this time of year. In the past 30 days, average rainfall is well below 50 per cent of normal. Looking ahead, the seven-day weather forecast…
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Watershed Conditions Statements
June 04, 2020
Minor Low Water Conditions in Rideau Valley Watershed
June 4, 2020 – Due to below average rainfall in April and May, conditions in the Rideau Valley Watershed now meet the threshold for Minor Low Water status under the Ontario Low Water Response Program. Watershed residents and businesses are encouraged to conserve water during dry conditions. Although stream flow values are not currently below any of the low water thresholds, the stream flow values are lower than normal by as much as 30 to 50 percent and field observations indicate that ecological conditions are becoming stressed. The average 90-day rainfall measured at climate stations in and around the watershed…
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Watershed Conditions Statements
April 20, 2020
Flood Watch Termination — Lower Ottawa River / Fin de la veille de crue — Cours inférieur de la rivière des Outaouais
Water Safety Statement Remains in Effect April 20, 2020 — The Flood Watch issued on April 9, 2020 is being TERMINATED. A Water Safety Statement is in effect as all areas are experiencing high spring flows which are typical for this time of year. The Ottawa River Regulation Committee has indicated that levels are decreasing along the main stem of the Ottawa River from Pembroke down to the Montreal region as runoff from melting snow in tributaries decreases. It is expected that levels will continue decreasing to normal spring freshet levels as no major precipitation is forecasted over the next…
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Watershed Conditions Statements
April 09, 2020
Flood Watch — Lower Ottawa River / Veille de crue — Cours inférieur de la rivière des Outaouais
April 9, 2020 — A Flood Watch is being issued for areas along the Lower Ottawa River. Water levels and flows from Arnprior to Hawkesbury continue to rise gradually due to on-going snowmelt in the central and northern portions of the Ottawa River basin. On Monday a spring storm is expected to bring above average temperatures and a significant amount of rainfall. Minor flood levels may be exceeded in low-lying, flood prone areas depending on the temperatures and precipitation received. Levels and flows are expected to stabilize into the weekend and will continue to rise beginning on Monday. Levels are…
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Watershed Conditions Statements
April 3, 2020 (WCS – R06/2020) –The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority is terminating the FLOOD WATCH that was previously in effect and issuing a HIGH WATER SAFETY message for all areas. Water levels and flows are still high for most, but not all, of the larger waterbodies in the Rideau Valley Watershed. The short-term forecast does not indicate any significant precipitation and the snow is now melted across the Rideau Valley Watershed. As such, water levels and flows are expected to slowly decline in the days ahead. Everyone needs to be cautious around lakes and streams with the fluctuating water levels.…
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Watershed Conditions Statements