Rideau Canal - Water Level Management Update - July 8, 2022

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 for the Rideau Canal National Historic Site of Canada.

Parks Canada maintains the Ontario Waterways Water Management InfoNet on the Rideau Canal website at www.pc.gc.ca/en/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. Stakeholders should continue to refer to their respective Conservation Authority or the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry as the primary source for relevant flood forecasting information specific to their area. These are the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority and the Cataraqui Conservation Authority

Weather

The 14-day forecast suggests continued high temperatures with little to no rainfall in the first six days and some potential rainfall in the seven to 14-day range. 

Outlook 

Flows on the Upper Tay River are receding. The inflows are receding across the system and as a result water levels are declining. 

The Rideau Water Management team will be actively monitoring the changing conditions. Any watershed condition updates will be released by your Conservation Authority. 

Cataraqui River

The Cataraqui River lake levels are near average for this time of year and are levelling off. Based on the current forecast, the boat draft on the Cataraqui Lakes will remain in range. 

Tay River

Bobs Lakes and Christie Lake are below average level for this time of year.

Rideau River

Wolfe Lake and Upper Rideau Lake are near the average level for this time of year. Big Rideau is near long term average. Levels in the river from Smiths Falls to Ottawa all remain in navigation range. 

General Inquiries Administrator
Rideau Canal National Historic Site
Parks Canada / Government of Canada
34 Beckwith Street, South, Smiths Falls ON  K7A 2A8
Rideau@pc.gc.ca / www.pc.gc.ca/rideau