WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT – FLOOD OUTLOOK
South Nation Conservation cautions residents that water levels will remain high for the upcoming week in the lower portion of the jurisdiction while water levels are expected to increase in the upper portion and the Ottawa River.
Environment Canada is forecasting periods of rain and snow for next week and temperatures above freezing during the day and below-freezing at night.
The water levels in the South Nation River, from Spencerville to Chesterville, are receding and flooding is not a concern at this time. The water levels in the Bearbrook and its tributaries are still increasing and low lying areas are expected to flood. The confluence of the South Nation and Ottawa Rivers is still ice covered which may result in higher water levels upstream of this area.
The Ottawa River Regulation Board is forecasting water levels and flows in the southern section of the main stem of the Ottawa River to remain above normal over the coming week. Water levels are unusually high between Cumberland, Ontario and Grenville, Quebec, due to ice cover, resulting in minor flooding for this portion of the river.
Residents are advised to stay away from watercourses as flows are still high and banks might be unstable. Slippery river banks and weakened ice cover are also a concern in the Alfred Plantagenet and Bearbrook areas. Parents are encouraged to explain these dangers to their children.
SNC 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.
SNC encourages the public to visit www.nation.on.ca and to also provide feedback with respect to changes in water related conditions in their local areas. All feedback can be sent to waterwatch@nation.on.ca; posted on our Facebook (/SouthNationConservation), or Tweet us your photos (@SouthNationCA).
For more information, please contact Golam Sharif at 1-877-984-2948 ext. 373 or Sandra Mancini at ext. 223
This statement is in effect until Wednesday, March 23, 2016.