Low-lying areas around Ottawa’s rivers still vulnerable to flooding: RVCA

The amount of rain Ottawa got last week and the spring-like temperatures have “triggered” a rapid rise in water flows for rivers around the nation’s capital.

According to the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA), which issued a flood watch last week that has now been extended, many areas around the rivers remain vulnerable due to rising tides. This includes the Rideau River and the Lower Ottawa River — Arnprior to Hawkesbury, Ont.

“Increased flows from the upper watershed may be contributing to higher water levels across the watershed, with localized flooding possible in low-lying areas,” the statement reads. “Ice jam risks could also cause localized flooding as ice cover continues to break up.”

About 10 to 20 millimetres of rain fell on Ottawa between March 15 to 17 and with the still frozen ground caused some parts of the city to flood. Last weekend firefighters were called to the Carlington neighbourhood for flooding basements.

The conservation authority says that its flood watch has been extended due to the lingering effects of the warm to cold temperatures and rain.

Due to the above-0 C temperatures over the next few days, and precipitation in the forecast, the RVCA is warning people to be cautious. This has caused water levels to be in a “moderate” to “elevated” state.

“The ground is currently saturated, reducing its ability to absorb additional rainfall or melt. The water levels and flows in the upper watershed region are also elevated and have yet to fully stabilize,” the authority warns.

The Ottawa River basin is under a flood outlook due to the same conditions.

“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,” the RVCA said.

The authority is asking people in flood-prone areas to closely watch conditions and stay away from the fast-moving rivers.