MVCA puts lower Ottawa River on flood watch

WEST CARLETON – The copious amount of rain the Ottawa Valley has received over the last week, mixed with the northern spring freshet, has had its expected result, and the Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority (MVCA) has issued a flood watch for the lower Ottawa River.

“Water levels and flows have been gradually increasing along the main stem of the Ottawa River due to recent rainfall combined with snowmelt in the central portions of the Ottawa River basin,” the MVCA released in a statement today (April 16). “Levels and flows are expected to continue to increase over the weekend.”

Today, the water level measured 74.93 metres according to the Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board (ORRPB) compared to 74.76 m yesterday (April 15). The river started the week (April 13) at 74.5 m.

“From Arnprior to Britannia, minor flood levels are expected to be reached in flood-prone areas today, with the potential for major flood levels to be exceeded in some locations over the weekend,” the MVCA water management team said. “Downstream of Britannia to Hawkesbury, minor flood levels will likely be exceeded over the weekend in flood prone areas, with the potential for major flood levels to be exceeded in some locations starting Monday.”

Environment Canada is expecting lots of rain today through the rest of the week.

The weather monitoring agency is expecting 10 to 20 more millimetres today, and that rain has nowhere to go.

“Rainfall continues,” Environment Canada released in a statement today. “The ground, already near saturation, has a limited capacity to absorb this rainfall.”

Rain is expected Saturday and Sunday as well.

The minor flood level is defined as the level at which parts of some streets, lawns and parks are beginning to flood, with no or few houses/buildings being affected.

The major flood level is defined as the level at which one or several streets are beginning to flood, with several houses/buildings or neighbourhoods being affected.

Residents in flood-prone areas are encouraged to closely follow changing conditions and to take necessary measures, such as:

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.
• Driveway culverts are clear of debris and drain well.
• Securing items that might float away as flows increase.

“Residents are advised to stay away from watercourses where flows are high and where banks might be unstable,” the MVCA said. “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 as part of the Flood Forecasting and Warning Program. Updates are provided as conditions change.

The Ottawa River Regulating committee will be reassessing forecast conditions and providing hydrological condition updates on its website daily at www.ottawariver.ca/forecasts/. 

To view current flood warnings across Ontario, visit: www.ontario.ca/page/floods

This flood watch is in effect until April 27.

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