Ottawa River floodwaters to stabilize in next few days, below historic highs

The latest Ottawa River flood forecast says the rising waters should stabilize in the coming days, but not before affecting homes in low-lying areas.

A flood warning remains in effect along the Ottawa River, and the Ottawa River Regulating Committee said on Thursday that water would continue to rise over the coming days, between Arnprior and Hawkesbury:

• Constance Bay area water levels are expected to rise by about 0.15 m above the current elevation* within the next day and remain high over the next four to five days.
• Britannia area (Grandview Road and the Belltown Community) water levels are expected to rise by about 0.20 m above the current elevation* over the next two to three days.
• Cumberland Village area (Boise Village, Morin Road, Leo Lane) water levels are expected to rise by about 0.25 m above the current elevation* over the next two to three days.
• Rockland area water levels are expected to rise by about 0.45 m above the current elevation* over the next two to three days.
• Hawkesbury area water levels are expected to rise by about 0.40 m above the current elevation* over the next two to three days.

Conservation authorities say river levels should stabilize near the major flood level, impacting several streets, lawns and houses in low-lying areas. Flood levels are expected to remain well below historic high flood levels.

Peak river conditions will remain dependent on snowmelt and rainfall amounts, and conservation authorities note there is uncertainty around the rainfall amounts and the areas that could be affected, this weekend.