Ottawa River stabilizing, but flood threat not over yet

WEST CARLETON – The Ottawa River has stabilized, and even receded a bit, but now the concern is the dreaded potential second peak as northern snowmelt makes its way through the watershed.

“Good news today, water levels have eased to 60.15 metres (at Brittania), and the forecast calls for levels to remain at or very near this point over the coming days,” West Carleton Disaster Relief (WCDR) volunteers released in a statement yesterday (April 24). “We are heading in the right direction. That being said we are watching for signs of how large the second pulse of water will be in the coming week.”

The Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board (ORRPB) says levels are rising further up river from Renfrew County.

“Water levels and flows along the main stem of the Ottawa River are rising gradually from Mattawa to Pembroke and are stable or slightly declining between Lake Coulonge and Carillon,” ORRPB staff released in a statement today (April 25). “In Mattawa, water levels have exceeded the minor flood level yesterday and could reach major flood level over the next few days. With accelerated snowmelt expected in the northern part of the watershed, northern reservoirs are now passing increased flows downstream.”

Water levels and flows are expected to continue increasing gradually from Mattawa to Pembroke and to be fairly stable in downstream locations over the next few days.

“The rate of snowmelt in the northern portion of the basin and the potential for rainfall over the coming weeks remain uncertain,” the ORRPB said. “As a result, in the coming weeks, a second flood peak remains possible from Pembroke to the Montreal region, as well as the possibility of levels at Mattawa exceeding major flood levels for the first time. A rapid melt combined with rainfall could lead to water levels higher than those observed between April 19 and April 22 in all locations.”

Current levels at Chats Falls Generating Station are 75.65 m and at 60.11 m at Lake Deschenes at Britannia, down 0.04 from yesterday. The peak at Lake Deschenes was 60.22 m recorded on April 21. The ORRPB forecasts Lake Deschenes will stay at 60.11 m until April 28.

The WCDR will be reducing operations but remain ready for any changes to levels.

“The WCDR volunteer table and our main operations centre at the Constance and Buckham’s Bay Community Centre may not be staffed at all hours this weekend but rest assured we are very much still on the job,” the WCDR said. “A sign with our duty officer will be on the main door if we are not in the office.”

If you need the WCDR, you can still contact them at flood@westcarletonrelief.ca or leave a message that will be promptly returned at 613-447-4446.

“Our website with a donations button, volunteer button and request for assistance button can be found at Ottawaflood.ca,” WCDR said.

The pace of emergency calls has continued to ease as most affected residents settle in to monitoring and maintaining their defences.

“The work is quieter now but no less important,” WCDR said. “What we are keeping a close watch on is rising groundwater. As the surrounding soil stays saturated, water is migrating inland and affecting properties that weren’t directly touched by the river. Pump loans and on-site help are likely to be our next wave of calls. If your basement is showing signs of new moisture, reach out to us.”

WCDR is well stocked at the moment.

“WCDR has several thousand pre-made sandbags staged at the Constance and Buckham’s Bay Community Centre (262 Len Purcell Dr.),” WCDR said. “A second pulse of higher water is still anticipated in the coming weeks, and we will not be caught flat-footed when it arrives.”

Showers are available at two West Carleton locations including:

• Constance Bay community centre — one shower open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Erskine Johnston Arena (3832 Carp Rd.) — showers open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Clean water remains available at the rear door of the Constance Bay community centre. Drive around to the back entrance and fill your containers from the hose — no need to get out of your vehicle.

WCDR is desperately seeking donations.

“Donations are critical right now,” WCDR said. “The emergency phase may be easing, but the recovery is just beginning, and another peak is on the way. Donations fund the supplies, equipment and coordination that keep WCDR ready and responsive through every phase of this event.”

Visit ottawaflood.ca and click the donate button.