Potential flooding along Lower Ottawa River, says conservation authority

The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA) has issued a water safety statement for residents living along the Lower Ottawa River from Arnprior to Hawkesbury.

According to the RVCA, the amount of water in the snowpack is well below average this time of year across the Ottawa River watershed thanks to unseasonably warm temperatures.

The conservation authority says that snow is essentially gone in the south-east portion of the basin and levels are well below average elsewhere for this time of year.

Environment Canada is forecasting cooler temperatures for the next week, slowing down melting. They’re forecasting temperature highs from Thursday to the weekend to remain near or below zero, with subzero temperatures overnight.

The water levels and flows on the Ottawa River are currently elevated in some locations for this time of year because of the early spring-like weather.

“Although it’s too early to forecast the magnitude and timing of the peak on the main stem of the Ottawa River, the weather experienced over the last couple of weeks could constitute a mild start of freshet,” says the RCVA. “However, it’s not possible to completely rule out the occurrence of flooding this early in the year.”

The conservation authority advises people 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 RVCA says the water safety statement will be in effect until April 8 at 5 p.m.