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Current Watershed Conditions


 

South Nation Conservation works with its partner municipalities along the South Nation, St. Lawrence and Ottawa Rivers to provide advanced notice of flooding and low water conditions through the provincial Flood Forecasting and Warning and Low Water Response programs.

 

MAPPED ROAD CLOSURES, FLOODED AREAS AND SANDBAG LOCATIONS

VIEW WATER LEVELS IN SOUTH NATION WATERSHED 

 

Current Watershed Conditions, Flood, and Drought Messages:

 

FLOOD OUTLOOK - LOWER OTTAWA RIVER

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 aspart 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

 

WATERSHED CONDITIONS: WATER SAFETY STATEMENT 

April 10th, 2024 

SNC is extending the Water Safety Statement issued on April 4th, 2024.  

Weather Forecast: Environment Canada has issued a forecast expecting up to 40 mm of rainfall by Saturday morning. This advisory follows elevated water levels resulting from last week’s snow and subsequent snowmelt.  

Environmental Conditions: Snowmelt combined with anticipated rainfall Thursday continuing into Saturday may result in increased water levels and flows in rivers, potentially causing nuisance flooding in low-lying areas.  

Risks: All rivers and streams across the jurisdiction may experience higher water levels, fast flowing water and slippery or unstable banks. 

ACTION: Residents are advised to exercise extreme caution when near rivers and waterbodies due to high river flows and slippery conditions. Parents are encouraged to explain these dangers to their children. 

Residents in flood prone or low-lying areas, historically susceptible to flooding, should take the necessary precautions to protect their property. Please ensure: 

  • Sump pump is clear, in good working condition and has a backwater valve on it. 
  • Easy access to portable backup generator and pump. 
  • Downspouts are clear and the outlet is at least 3 m from the dwelling. 
  • Securing items that might float away as flows increase. 

Duration: This water safety statement is in effect until April 17, 2024 at 5 PM or until an update has been issued. 

SNC monitors the water levels and weather forecasts as part of the Flood Forecasting and Warning Program. Updates are provided as conditions change. 

Please visit www.nation.on.ca for more information. To provide feedback with respect to changes in water related conditions please email waterwatch@nation.on.ca, post on our Facebook (/SouthNationConservation) or Twitter (@SouthNationCA).  

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Kat Watson, Coordinator, Early Warning Systems and Watershed Plans, 1-877-984-2948, kwatson@nation.on.ca. 

Forwarded to:  All Flood Forecasting and Warning Directory 

 

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South Nation Conservation

MEDIA CONTACT:
Erin Thorne, Communications Specialist, ethorne@nation.on.ca, 1-877-984-2948.

FLOOD DUTY OFFICER:
Katherine Watson, Coordinator - Early Warning Systems and Watershed Plans, kwatson@nation.on.ca, 1-877-984-2948.

 

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.

 

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 Flood Forecasting and Warning 2024 Summary:

South Nation River Watershed St. Lawrence River Ottawa River

February 12, 2024: Water Safety Statement

February 26, 2024: Water Safety Statement

March 8, 2024: Water Safety Statement

April 4, 2024 - Water Safety Statement

April 10, 2024 - Water Safety Statement

 

 March 18, 2024 Water Safety Statement

April 14, 2024 Flood Outlook

  

Past Statements:

 

 

Water Conservation and Well Management Fact Sheets: