Flood Warning: Ottawa River - Update
This statement is an update to South Nation Conservation’s (SNC) Flood Warning: Ottawa River issued on May 4, 2017.
SNC continues to caution residents that water levels in the Ottawa River continue to increase significantly.
Environment and Climate Change Canada continues to forecast high precipitation from tonight until Sunday which will contribute to high water levels and localized flooding along the Ottawa River.
On May 5, 2017, the Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board stated: “Water levels along the main stem of the Ottawa River from Pembroke down to the Montreal area remain very high. With further rainfall forecast (20 to 60 mm) over most of the basin by the end of Saturday, significant increases in levels between Pembroke and the Montreal Region are expected. Given current forecasts and depending on location, flood levels are expected to peak on Sunday or Monday into Tuesday May 9th”. Therefore, water levels are expected to continue to increase this week and may cause significant flooding between Gatineau and Hawkesbury.
Residents are advised to stay away from watercourses where flows are high and where banks might be unstable. Parents are encouraged to explain these dangers to their children.
Staff will continue to monitor the water levels and weather forecasts as part of the Flood Forecasting and Warning Program and will provide updates in the event conditions change.
The public is encouraged to visit www.nation.on.ca and to also report changes in water-related conditions, soil stress fractures (i.e. cracks in soil), abrupt changes in streambanks, or sudden leaning of trees in their local areas. All feedback and photos can be sent to waterwatch@nation.on.ca, posted on our Facebook page (/SouthNationConservation), or Tweeted to us (@SouthNationCA).
Additional information on Ottawa River levels can be found at www.ottawariver.ca.
For more information during the weekend (May 5-7, 2017) please contact the Flood Duty Officers: Geoff Owens at 613-551-9170 or Sandra Mancini at 613-551-3242.
This statement is in effect until May 11, 2017.
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 specific watercourses or municipalities.