With access ways to the waterfront properties on the Long Reach of the Rideau River (Kars to Burritts Rapids) again passable, the Flood Warning, in place for the last week, is now reduced to Flood Watch. 

Rain forecast for Saturday evening into Sunday is expected to cause an upturn in flows in the Rideau system. However, flows are expected to have receded sufficiently by then that the increase will have a minor impact. The expectation is that flows, as measured at the recording station at Carleton University, will increase to about 280 cubic metres per second (cms) by early Monday. This is well below the peak flow reached on April 8 (456 cms) and below flows that would cause flooding to happen again.

The Rideau Canal reservoir lakes are all at their full supply level and measures are being taken to bring those levels down within the normal operating ranges for each of the four lakes. However, releases from each of the lakes has to be done to minimize the impacts downstream. Wolfe Lake has to be brought down in concert with Upper Rideau Lake and, in turn, Upper Rideau levels have to be managed within the limits of Big Rideau and Newboro Lakes. Releases from Bobs Lake have to be done with regard for levels on Christie Lake, flows in Perth and flows into Big Rideau and outflow from Big Rideau Lake has to be done with regard for levels on the Long Reach.

While flows are declining and temperatures are warming, it is still risky to be around waterbodies. The water is still relatively high, fast moving and cold so parents need to educate their children about the dangers

The Flood Watch will remain in effect through the weekend. Conservation Authority staff will continue to monitor conditions and will issue updates as warranted.