MVCA says low-lying Ottawa River residents could see flooding

WEST CARLETON – The Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority (MVCA) is issuing a Flood Outlook Statement for areas along the Lower Ottawa River, from Arnprior to Hawkesbury.

“A large weather system brought 10 to 20 millimetres of precipitation over much of the Ottawa River basin between March 15 and March 17,” MVCA water resources technologist Jennifer North released in a statement today (March 19). “This system also brought warm temperatures that triggered a rapid melting of snow in the southern portion of the Ottawa River, marking the beginning of the spring freshet in the Ottawa River basin.”

In mid-March, the amount of water in the snow cover was close to average throughout the watershed. A portion of the snow cover, over a large part of the basin, has melted over the last few days, with a higher portion in the southern part of the basin.

“Rising levels along the main stem of the Ottawa River could create possible flooding in low-lying areas over the coming weeks,” North said.

Low-lying areas are those that are regularly flooded during the spring freshet period.

“While there are currently no flooding indicators of concern, it is still too early to forecast peak river conditions which remain dependent on snowmelt and rainfall amounts,” North said. “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 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/law-and-safety/flood-forecasting-and-warning-program.

This flood outlook statement is in effect until April 1.