Rideau Canal - Water Level Management Update – April 19, 2024

Parks Canada's water management team continues to actively monitor water levels, flows, and weather forecasts across the Rideau Canal National Historic Site of Canada. These factors are used to determine dam operations on a daily basis.

Parks Canada maintains the Ontario Waterways Water Management InfoNet on the Rideau Canal website at https://parks.canada.ca/lhn-nhs/on/rideau/info/infonet

The InfoNet contains background information on water management practices, water management updates, frequently asked questions about water management, various reports on water management, and the most recent water levels of lakes along both the Rideau Canal and the Trent-Severn Waterway. The information comes from hydrometric gauges located at key points along both waterways and is vetted by trained and experienced Parks Canada water management staff.

This information is intended as supplemental information only. Your respective Conservation Authority continues to serve as the primary source for relevant flood forecasting information specific to your area. These are the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority and the Cataraqui Conservation Authority. Information can also be found on the Ontario Flood Forecasting and Warning Program.

Weather

Rainfall over the month of April has resulted in total precipitation amounts ranging from 60-100 mm, with significantly higher amounts in the Cataraqui and Crow/Bobs watersheds. This has significantly increased water levels and flows across the Rideau Canal.

Outlook

An additional 10-15 mm of precipitation is expected during the next 5 days. For the most up-to-date watershed conditions, please check the website of your local conservation authority or the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry.

Cataraqui River

Lakes from Kingston Mills Lockstation to Newboro Lockstation are near full. Due to the recent rain events, levels are predicted to remain elevated.

Tay River

Bobs Lake levels are above average, above full, are increasing and will continue to do so due to the recent significant rainfall and the forecasted rain. Christie Lake levels are continuing to increase as a result of elevated flows from Bobs Lake. The levels on both lakes will continue to be monitored. Flows on the lower Tay River have peaked but are expected to remain elevated due to forecasted rain.

Rideau River

Wolfe Lake and Upper Rideau Lakes are full, and Big Rideau is, on average, below full but expected to rise. Outflows from Big Rideau are being increased. Flows and levels are within the seasonal average and expected to fluctuate with forecasted rain and operational activities scheduled in preparation for the opening of the season.

General Inquiries Administrator
Rideau Canal National Historic Site
Parks Canada / Government of Canada
34 Beckwith Street, South, Smiths Falls ON  K7A 2A
Rideau@pc.gc.ca / www.pc.gc.ca/rideau