MVCA says Mississippi, Carp watersheds on way down

(Editor’s note: As we did during the 2017 flood, 2018 tornado, 2019 flood and COVID-19 pandemic, we are making our coverage of potential extreme flooding in 2023 free access to our entire community providing flooding updates, on-site coverage, important information and resources to West Carleton and beyond, so those outside the area can better understand what is happing in our rural community)

WEST CARLETON – The Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority (MVCA) says rivers and lakes throughout the watershed and West Carleton are on the way down, but the May 3 Flood Warning will remain in effect.

“The Flood Warning issued by the MVCA on May 3 remains in effect,” MVCA water resources technologist Jennifer North released in a statement today (May 16). “The dry weather over the last week has resulted in all areas of the (Mississippi and Carp rivers) watershed peaking and lakes and watercourses are observed to decline.”

Levels on Dalhousie Lake and Mississippi Lake have peaked and are slowly declining. 

“No further increases on the lakes are anticipated and residents should see water levels noticeably decline by the weekend,” North said. “However, flows and levels are expected to remain higher than normal for the next week as water continues to move out of the system.”

All lakes in the upper region of the watershed and the Clyde River have been slowly declining over the last week and are close to reaching their summer targets.

“Residents are being 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,” North said.

This Watershed Conditions Statement is in effect until the end of the day on Tuesday, May 23, and will be updated at that time unless the forecasts change.

Please visit the MVCA’s website for more information on:

• Water levels and flow data: mvc.on.ca/water-levels
• Watershed Conditions Messages: mvc.on.ca/watershed-conditions-message.