RVCA - Watershed Conditions Statement

Warm Temperatures and Possible Rain Will Cause Increased Water Levels Across Rideau Valley Watershed

(WCS – R04/2022)

March 15, 2022 – The current short-term weather forecast indicates warm daytime temperatures this week, with Thursday’s temperature above 10 degrees Celsius, and night-time low temperatures near zero. The short-term forecast also indicates that a substantial rain event could occur on Sat. March 19.

Current conditions at several RVCA and Park Canada snow course sites indicate near normal amounts of snow for this time of year.

If the temperatures come as forecast in the coming days, significant snowmelt is expected across the Rideau Valley watershed. This will increase water levels and cause some flooding in all low-lying areas, especially those identified below. Forecasted rain later in the week may further increase water levels throughout the watershed. Parks Canada staff who manage the water levels for the Rideau Canal have indicated that the levels in lakes are expected to rise in the upper watershed lakes as the snowpack melts.

Some specific areas of concern are highlighted below:

A FLOOD WATCH is being issued for all the low-lying areas along Stevens Creek and Taylor Drain in the Village of North Gower.

A FLOOD OUTLOOK is being issued for all the low-lying areas around the smaller creeks and streams in the Rideau Valley Watershed, including any connected creeks or ditches.

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.

Residents in flood-prone or low-lying areas that are historically susceptible to flooding should 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 March 22, 2022, at 5 p.m. and will be updated at that time unless the forecast or conditions change first.

More Information:
Contact: Brian Stratton, RVCA Manager Engineering Services
Rideau Valley Conservation Authority
613-692-6804, 1-800-267-3504 ext. 1141
brian.stratton@rvca.ca
www.rvca.ca/watershed-conditions

"Rideau Valley Conservation Authority is a partnership of municipalities within the Rideau Valley watershed created under the Conservation Authorities Act to deliver a range of programs in watershed management and natural resource conservation."

RVCA Watershed Conditions Statements:

•             Water Safety – High flows, unstable banks, melting ice or other factors that could be dangerous for recreational users such as anglers, canoeists, hikers, children, pets, etc. Flooding is not expected.

•             Flood Outlook – Early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts, calling for heavy rain, snow melt, high winds or other conditions that could lead to high runoff, cause ice jams and/or lakeshore flooding or erosion.

•             Flood Watch – Flooding is possible in specific watercourses or municipalities. Municipalities, emergency services and individuals in flood prone areas should prepare.

•             Flood Warning – Flooding is imminent or already occurring in specific watercourses or municipalities.