OTTAWA RIVER FLOOD WARNING DOWNGRADED
South Nation Conservation’s (SNC) is downgrading the “Flood Warning: Ottawa River” statement issued on May 12, 2017 to “Flood Outlook: Ottawa River”.
Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board stated “Most heavily flooded areas, between Lac Coulonge and the Hawkesbury/Grenville area, are now free of high waters. Water level decline is expected to continue throughout the coming week. Snowmelt from the north has been retained by northern reservoirs. As long as waters remain on the flood plain there continues to be a risk of returning to flooding levels in response to possible widespread heavy rainfall events. Residents in low lying areas are encouraged to continue to closely watch for updates in forecasts”.
Environment and Climate Change Canada forecasts only 5 to 10 mm rain this week. Therefore, water levels between Gatineau and Hawkesbury are expected to recede slowly. Severe flooding is not a concern at this time; however, nuisance flooding in low-lying areas may be observed.
Residents are 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.
Staff will continue to monitor the water levels and weather forecasts as part of the Flood Forecasting and Warning Program and will provide updates in the event conditions change.
The public is encouraged to visit www.nation.on.ca and to also report changes in water-related conditions, soil stress fractures (i.e. cracks in soil), abrupt changes in streambanks, or sudden leaning of trees in their local areas. All feedback and photos can be sent to waterwatch@nation.on.ca, posted on our Facebook page (/SouthNationConservation), or Tweeted to us (@SouthNationCA).
Additional information on Ottawa River levels can be found at www.ottawariver.ca.
For more information please contact the Flood Duty Officers: Geoff Owens at 613-984-2948 ext. 240 or 613-551-9170; or Golam Sharif at 613-984-2948 ext. 373 or 613-551-9057.
This statement is in effect until Monday, May 22, 2017.
Forwarded To: All Flood Forecasting and Warning Directory
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Watershed Conditions Statements:
- Water Safety: High flows, unstable banks, melting ice or other factors that could be dangerous for recreational users such as anglers, canoeists, hikers, children, pets, etc. Flooding is not expected.
- Flood Outlook: Early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts, calling for heavy rain, snow melt, high winds or other conditions that could lead to high runoff, cause ice jams and/or lakeshore flooding or erosion.
- Flood Watch: Flooding is possible in specific watercourses or municipalities. Municipalities, emergency services and individuals in flood-prone areas should prepare.
- Flood Warning: Flooding is imminent or already occurring in specific watercourses or municipalities.