Warm temperatures and rain could cause water levels to threaten access to lower lying communities.
This message applies particularly to Hilly Lane, Cedar Beach and Rideau Glen and other small communities along the Long Reach of the Rideau River near Kemptville that are susceptible to flooding. The Hilly Lane community could start to have water encroaching on the access road by Wednesday as a result of above zero temperatures melting the remaining snow and a two-day total rainfall of as much as 20 millimetres. Fortunately, temperatures are forecast to fall below freezing by Wednesday night which can be expected to cause flows to decline again.
As in our previous statements, an important element is public safety. The fluctuating water levels and temperatures will cause ice to weaken on all watercourses. Parents are urged to remind their children about the dangers of playing on or near ice covered surfaces or fast flowing water in ditches and smaller creeks. All watershed residents are advised to stay off of the ice on rivers and streams and avoid icy or wet streambanks where footing can be treacherous.
Conservation Authority staff will continue to monitor conditions and issue further statements as conditions warrant.
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 area watercourses.
