RVCA - Flood Watch Terminated for North Gower, Flood Outlook Remains for Other Areas

Flood Watch terminated for North Gower; Flood Outlook remains for other areas

March 25, 2022 – The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority is terminating the FLOOD WATCH for the village of North Gower but a FLOOD OUTLOOK continues for all the low-lying areas around the smaller creeks and streams in the Rideau Valley Watershed, including any connected creeks or ditches.

The current short-term weather forecast indicates cooler, mostly below zero temperatures, for the next five days with limited precipitation. Although much of the snow has already melted, some snow remains in the watershed, especially in the upper watershed areas.

Parks Canada staff who manage the water levels for the Rideau Canal have indicated that the water levels in some of the upper watershed reservoir lakes are significantly increasing due to snowmelt and recent rainfall. More specifically, the water levels in the Upper Rideau and Big Rideau Lakes are increasing and measures are being taken to reduce the rate of increase. The releases from these lakes will be done to minimize downstream impacts. However, areas along the Rideau River between Smiths Falls and Merrickville should expect elevated water levels and flows for the next few days.

The current forecast along with Parks Canada operations indicate no significant flooding across the watershed at this time, although the areas between Smiths Falls and Merrickville will experience temporarily elevated water levels and flows.

Extreme caution should be exercised by everyone when near local waterbodies. Parents should inform their children of the risks and provide appropriate supervision. Pets should be leashed near all bodies of water. Please contact your municipality if you see any ice jams that are causing localized flooding.

Residents in flood prone or low-lying areas, historically susceptible to flooding, should continue to take the necessary precautions to protect their property, such as:

•             Ensuring sump pump is clear, in good working condition and has a backwater valve

•             Ensuring easy access to a portable backup generator and pump

•             Ensuring downspouts are clear and the outlet is at least 3 metres from the dwelling

•             Securing items that might float away as flows increase

•             Removing valuable items from basements or lower floors that could be subject to flooding

•             Keeping emergency phone numbers handy

•             Familiarizing yourself with your municipality’s Emergency Preparedness Plan

This watershed conditions statement is in effect until April 1, 2022, at 5 p.m. and will be updated at that time unless the forecast or conditions change.