FLOOD OUTLOOK STATEMENT: OTTAWA RIVER - UPDATE
This statement is an update to South Nation Conservation’s (SNC) Flood Outlook Statement: Ottawa River issued on May 16, 2017.
Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board has stated “Current weather forecasts predict significant rainfall over the coming week, particularly in northern sectors of the basin. With northern reservoirs now full, the risk of large flow releases from northern reservoirs exists and will be determined by the amount of rainfall received. Upstream locations from Mattawa down to the Lac Coulonge area may see a rapid increase in levels. Depending on precipitation amounts received, downstream locations from Chats Lake down to the Grenville/Hawkesbury area may see levels stop decreasing next week. Residents in low lying areas are encouraged to continue to closely watch for updates in forecasts”.
Environment and Climate Change Canada forecasts 15 to 25 mm of 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 29, 2017.
Forwarded To: All Flood Forecasting and Warning Directory
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