Flood Outlook — Lower Ottawa River

April 15, 2024 — A Flood Outlook Statement is being issued for areas along the Lower Ottawa River (Arnprior to Hawkesbury).

Based on a large weather system from Texas that brought 15 to 75 mm of precipitation over much of the Ottawa River basin between April 11 and 13, levels and flows along the Ottawa River have begun increasing due to spring runoff. Residents along the shores of the Lower Ottawa River should be aware that throughout the spring freshet period water levels can rise rapidly at times and cause minor flooding in low-lying areas.

Rising water levels along the main stem of the Ottawa River could create possible flooding in low-lying areas over the coming weeks. Low-lying areas are those areas that are regularly flooded during the spring freshet period.

The snow has now melted across much of the Ottawa River watershed. While the absence of snow in a large portion of the basin reduces the risk of significant flooding, it is important to remember that spring water levels depend also on the timing and amount of rainfall during the months of April and May. Weather conditions that bring heavy rainfall events can only be known a few days in advance.

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 and provide appropriate supervision around all waterbodies.

The Mississippi Valley, Rideau Valley, and South Nation Conservation Authorities monitor water levels and weather forecasts with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry as part of the Flood Forecasting and Warning Program. Updates are provided as conditions change.

The Ottawa River Secretariat will be reassessing forecast conditions and providing hydrological condition updates online: 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 6, 2024 at 5:00 PM.

For More Information: Daily water levels and flows are available on the MVCA website at www.mvc.on.ca/water-levels. For more information, contact:Contact: Jennifer North
Water Resource Technologist
613-253-0006 ext. 243
jnorth@mvc.on.ca               www.mvc.on.ca  

Risque de crue – Cours inférieur de la rivière des Outaouais

Le 15 avril 2024 — Un communiqué de risque de crue est émis pour les régions situées le long du cours inférieur de la rivière des Outaouais (d'Arnprior à Hawkesbury).      

D'après un vaste système météorologique provenant du Texas qui a apporté de 15 à 75 mm de précipitations sur une grande partie du bassin de la rivière des Outaouais entre le 11 et le 13 avril, les niveaux et les débits le long de la rivière des Outaouais ont commencé à augmenter en raison de la crue printanière. Les résidents sur les rives du cours inférieur de la rivière des Outaouais doivent savoir que pendant la période de la crue printanière, les niveaux d'eau peuvent parfois augmenter rapidement et provoquer des inondations mineures dans les zones basses.

La hausse des niveaux de l‘eau le long du cours principal de la rivière des Outaouais pourrait créer des inondations dans les zones basses au cours des prochaines semaines. Les zones basses sont les zones qui sont régulièrement inondées pendant la période de la crue printanière.

La neige a maintenant fondu dans une grande partie du bassin versant de la rivière des Outaouais. Même si l’absence de neige dans une grande partie du bassin réduit le risque d’inondations importantes, il est important de rappeler que les niveaux d’eau du printemps dépendent également du moment et de la quantité des précipitations au cours des mois d’avril et de mai. Les conditions météorologiques qui entraînent de fortes précipitations ne peuvent être connues que quelques jours à l’avance.

Les résidents des zones inondables 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 peuvent être instables. On demande aux parents d'expliquer ces dangers à leurs enfants et d'assurer une surveillance appropriée autour des cours d'eau. 

Les offices de protection de la nature de la vallée de la Mississippi, de la vallée de la Rideau et de la Nation Sud surveillent les niveaux d'eau et les prévisions météorologiques avec le ministère des Richesses naturelles et des Forêts dans le cadre du programme de prévision et d'alerte des crues. Des mises à jour sont émises au fur et à mesure que les conditions changent.

Le Secrétariat pour la régularisation de la rivière des Outaouais réévaluera les conditions prévues et fournira des mises à jour des conditions hydrologiques sur son site Web : www.rivieredesoutaouais.ca/previsions/.

Pour consulter les avertissements de crues actuels à travers l'Ontario, visitez :
www.lioapplications.lrc.gov.on.ca/webapps/swmc/flood-forecasting-and-warning-program/fr/.

Ce COMMUNIQUÉ DE RISQUE DE CRUE est en vigueur jusqu’au 6 mai 2024 à 17 h.

For More Information: Daily water levels and flows are available on the MVCA website at www.mvc.on.ca/water-levels. For more information, contact:Contact: Jennifer North
Water Resource Technologist
613-253-0006 ext. 243
jnorth@mvc.on.ca               www.mvc.on.ca  

Re:       WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT – WATER SAFETY – March 22, 2024

A Water Safety Statement is to provide notice of high flows, unsafe 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.

This Water Safety Statement is an update to the Flood Outlook Statement issued March 08, 2024.

Watershed Conditions: Water levels across the watershed have peaked and are on the decline. With minimal precipitation in the forecast over the next couple of weeks, no flooding is expected and flows should continue to recede.

Risks: The MVCA will continue to operate the dams with the objective of reaching target water levels by the end of May, but will require significant rainfall for those targets to be reached.

Actions: Residents are reminded to exercise extreme caution near all water bodies due to high flows and slippery conditions. Parents are encouraged to remind children about these dangers and provide appropriate supervision.

Duration: This message is in effect until April 5, 2024 or until an update has been issued.

For More Information: Daily water levels and flows are available on the MVCA website at www.mvc.on.ca/water-levels. For more information, contact:

Contact: Jennifer North
Water Resource Technologist
613-253-0006 ext. 243
jnorth@mvc.on.ca               www.mvc.on.ca  

Newsrooms please note:
A Watershed Conditions Statement is NOT a flood warning. Its purpose is to raise public awareness about a change or potential change in watershed conditions.

Watershed Conditions Statement: General notice of weather conditions that could pose a risk to personal safety or which have the potential to lead to flooding. There are two variations of these:

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Water Conditions Statement: Water Safety — Lower Ottawa River

March 18, 2024 — A Water Safety Statement is being issued for areas along the Lower Ottawa River (Arnprior to Hawkesbury).

This winter has been characterised by unseasonably warm temperatures, below-average precipitation in many locations and several melt events. As of mid-March, the amount of water in the snowpack is well below average for this time of year across the Ottawa River watershed. The snow is essentially gone in the south-east portion of the basin and well below average elsewhere for this time of year.

Environment Canada is forecasting cooler, more seasonable, temperatures for the next week. Temperature highs from Thursday to the weekend will remain near or below zero, with subzero temperatures overnight. With the cool weather, some snow is forecasted throughout the region.

The water levels and flows on the Ottawa River are currently elevated in some locations for this time of year because of the early spring-like weather. Although it’s too early to forecast the magnitude and timing of the peak on the main stem of the Ottawa River, the weather experienced over the last couple of weeks could constitute a mild start of freshet. However, it’s not possible to completely rule out the occurrence of flooding this early in the year. Weather conditions over the coming weeks (such as additional snowfall and heavy rainfall events) will influence the strength of the freshet. Often, these weather conditions only become certain a few days in advance.

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 and provide appropriate supervision around all waterbodies.

The Mississippi Valley, Rideau Valley, and South Nation Conservation Authorities monitor water levels and weather forecasts with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry as part of the Flood Forecasting and Warning Program. Updates are provided as conditions change.

The Ottawa River Secretariat will be reassessing forecast conditions and providing hydrological condition updates on its website when the freshet begins or if wet weather leads to flood risks www.ottawariver.ca/forecasts.

To view current flood warnings across Ontario, visit:
www.ontario.ca/law-and-safety/flood-forecasting-and-warning-program

This WATER SAFETY STATEMENT is in effect until April 8, 2024 at 5:00 PM.

Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority

Contact: Jennifer North

Water Resources Technologist
613-253-0006 ext. 243
jnorth@mvc.on.ca               www.mvc.on.ca

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.

Déclaration de sécurité aquatique – Cours inférieur de la rivière des Outaouais

Le 18 mars 2024 - Une DÉCLARATION DE SÉCURITÉ AQUATIQUE est émise pour les secteurs situés le long du cours inférieur de la rivière des Outaouais (d'Arnprior à Hawkesbury).

Cet hiver a été caractérisé par des températures anormalement élevées, des précipitations inférieures à la moyenne dans de nombreux endroits et plusieurs phénomènes de fonte. À la mi-mars, la quantité d'eau du manteau neigeux est bien inférieure à la moyenne pour cette période de l'année dans l'ensemble du bassin versant de la rivière des Outaouais. Il n'y a pratiquement plus de neige dans la partie sud-est du bassin et ailleurs, elle est bien inférieure à la moyenne pour cette période de l'année.

Environnement Canada prévoit des températures plus fraîches et plus saisonnières pour la semaine prochaine. Les températures maximales de jeudi à la fin de semaine demeureront près de zéro ou sous zéro, avec des températures sous zéro pendant la nuit. Avec le temps frais, un peu de neige est prévue dans toute la région.

Bien qu'il soit trop tôt pour prévoir l'ampleur et le moment de la crue du cours principal de la rivière des Outaouais, les conditions météorologiques des deux dernières semaines pourraient constituer un début de crue douce. Cependant, il n'est pas possible d'exclure complètement la possibilité d'une inondation si tôt dans l'année. Les conditions météorologiques des semaines à venir (telles que des chutes de neige supplémentaires et de fortes précipitations) influenceront l'intensité de la crue nivale.

Les résidents des zones inondables 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 peuvent être instables. On demande aux parents d'expliquer ces dangers à leurs enfants et d'assurer une surveillance appropriée autour des cours d'eau.

Les offices de protection de la nature de la vallée de la Mississippi, de la vallée de la Rideau et de la Nation Sud surveillent les niveaux d'eau et les prévisions météorologiques avec le ministère des Richesses naturelles et des Forêts dans le cadre du programme de prévision et d'alerte des crues. Des mises à jour sont émises au fur et à mesure que les conditions changent.

Le Secrétariat pour la régularisation de la rivière des Outaouais réévaluera les conditions prévues et fournira des mises à jour des conditions hydrologiques sur son site Web lorsque la crue nivale commencera ou si le temps humide entraîne des risques d'inondation www.ottawariver.ca/forecasts.

Pour consulter les alertes de crues en cours dans l'ensemble de l'Ontario, visitez le site : www.ontario.ca/law-and-safety/flood-forecasting-and-warning-program.

La présente DÉCLARATION DE SÉCURITÉ AQUATIQUE est en vigueur jusqu'au 8 avril 2024 à 17 h.

Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority

Water Resources Technologist
613-253-0006 ext. 243
jnorth@mvc.on.ca               www.mvc.on.ca

• 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.

• Fin  -

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Re:       WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT – FLOOD OUTLOOK – March 8, 2024

A Flood Outlook Statement is to provide early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts calling for heavy rain, snow melt, high wind or other conditions that could lead to high runoff, cause ice jams, lakeshore flooding or erosion.

Weather Forecast:  Significant rainfall is expected over the weekend.  Widespread precipitation is expected during this period, with forecasts estimating 20 – 40 mm of rainfall.

Watershed Conditions: Snowmelt due to warmer temperatures, combined with anticipated rainfall may result in increased water levels and flows in water bodies. The degree of increase will depend on actual precipitation and temperatures. Unstable ice conditions may also be present, which can lead to ice jams.

Risks: Rivers and streams may experience higher water levels, fast flowing water and slippery or unstable banks. Additionally, these conditions elevate the risk for ice buildup. Significant flooding is not expected.

Actions: Residents are reminded to exercise extreme caution near all water bodies due to high flows and slippery conditions. Parents are encouraged to remind children about these dangers and provide appropriate supervision.

Residents in flood prone areas are advised to maintain close watch on water levels and flows and take the necessary precautions to protect their property by:

• Ensuring sump pumps are clear, in good working condition and have a backwater valve.
• Having a portable generator and backup pump available.
• Ensuring downspouts are clear and the outlet is at least 3 meters from any structure.
• Removing or securing items that might float away if flows increase.
• Removing valuable items from basements or lower floors that could be subject to flooding.

Duration: This message is in effect until March 18, 2024 or until an update has been issued.

For More Information: Daily water levels and flows are available on the MVCA website at www.mvc.on.ca/water-levels. For more information, contact:

Contact: Jennifer North
Water Resource Technologist
613-253-0006 ext. 243
jnorth@mvc.on.ca               www.mvc.on.ca       

Newsrooms please note:
A Watershed Conditions Statement is NOT a flood warning. Its purpose is to raise public awareness about a change or potential change in watershed conditions.

See below for watershed conditions terminology:

Watershed Conditions Statement: General notice of weather conditions that could pose a risk to personal safety or which have the potential to lead to flooding. There are two variations of these:

• Water Safety Statement: High flows, unsafe banks, melting ice or other factors could be dangerous for recreational users such as anglers, canoeists, hikers, children, pets, etc. Flooding is not expected.
• Flood Outlook Statement: Early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts calling for heavy rain, snow melt, high wind or other conditions that could lead to high runoff, cause ice jams, lakeshore flooding or erosion.

Flood Watch: Flooding is possible in specific watercourses or municipalities. Municipalities, emergency services and individual landowners in flood-prone areas should prepare.

Flood Warning: Flooding is imminent or already occurring in specific watercourses or municipalities. Municipalities and individuals should act to deal with flood conditions. This may include road closures and evacuations.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT – Water Safety

Stay clear of ice-covered or fast-moving waterways.

February 26, 2024 MISSISSIPPI VALLEY WATERSHED—With above seasonal daytime temperatures and several millimeters of rain forecasted over the next few days, the Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority (MVCA) is reminding residents to exercise extreme caution near rivers and waterbodies that have high flows and slippery bank conditions. No flooding is anticipated at this time; however, runoff amounts may result in higher water levels in creeks and streams, and along roadside ditches.

Ice thickness can also change drastically due to increased flows and rising temperatures.  The shoreline adjacent to lakes, rivers and creeks is very slippery and poses a serious hazard.  Falling into open water could result in hypothermia or drowning. No ice is safe ice.

Rainfall can cause ice jams to occur along the river.  This can cause water levels to rise rapidly without warning.

The MVCA reminds the public to exercise extreme caution around all water bodies:

•             People and pets should stay away from all frozen or fast-moving water bodies.

•             Parents are urged to remind children about the dangers of playing on or near ice covered surfaces and open water.

Residents in flood prone areas are advised to maintain a close watch on water levels and flows and take the necessary precautions to protect their property by:

•             Ensuring sump pumps are clear, in good working condition and have backwater valves.

•             Having a portable generator and backup pump available.

•             Ensuring downspouts are clear and the outlet is at least 3 m from any structure.

•             Removing or securing items that might float away as flows increase.

This message will be in effect until (or updated before) March 11, 2024.

Daily water levels and flows are available on the MVCA website at http://mvc.on.ca/water-levels/

-end-

Contact: Jennifer North
Water Resource Technologist
613-253-0006 ext. 243
jnorth@mvc.on.ca               www.mvc.on.ca

Newsrooms please note:
A Watershed Conditions Statement is NOT a flood warning. Its purpose is to raise public awareness about a change or potential change in watershed conditions.

See below for watershed conditions terminology:

Watershed Conditions Statement: general notice of weather conditions that could pose a risk to personal safety or which have the potential to lead to flooding. There are two variations of these:

• Water Safety Statement: High flows, unsafe banks, melting ice or other factors could be dangerous for recreational users such as anglers, canoeists, hikers, children, pets, etc. Flooding is not expected.
• Flood Outlook Statement: Early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts calling for heavy rain, snow melt, high wind or other conditions that could lead to high runoff, cause ice jams, lakeshore flooding or erosion.

Flood Watch: Flooding is possible in specific watercourses or municipalities. Municipalities, emergency services and individual landowners in flood-prone areas should prepare.

Flood Warning: Flooding is imminent or already occurring in specific watercourses or municipalities. Municipalities and individuals should act to deal with flood conditions. This may include road closures and evacuations.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Normal status indicates that no flood conditions exist. However, even during Normal conditions, the inherent risk to personal safety associated with flowing water still exists.

Watershed Conditions Statement - Water Safety: High flows, unsafe 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.

Watershed Conditions Statement - Flood Outlook: Early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts calling for heavy rain, snow melt, high wind or other conditions that could lead to high runoff, cause ice jams, lakeshore flooding, or erosion.

Flood Watch: Flooding is possible in specific watercourses or municipalities. Municipalities, emergency services, and individual landowners in flood-prone areas should prepare.

Flood Warning: Flooding is imminent or already occurring in specific watercourses or municipalities.