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Water Conditions Statement Update #5: FLOOD WARNING DOWNGRADE - Lower Ottawa RiverAlert level: Water Safety Statement (level 2 of 4)

May 18, 2023 – The Flood Warning for the Ottawa River issued on May 10, 2023 has been downgraded to a Water Safety Statement.

Water levels along the Lower Ottawa River from Gatineau to the Grenville/Hawkesbury area are expected to continue decreasing over the coming days.

Based on Ottawa River Regulating Committee forecasts, Ottawa River water levels are declining, and the rate of decline is slowing as they reach normal summer targets. There is no snow remaining in the watershed and reservoirs are now targeting summer levels. No significant rain is forecasted for the next couple of days.

Residents are advised to stay away from watercourses where flows are high and where banks might be unstable. Parents are encouraged to explain dangers to children.

The Mississippi Valley, Rideau Valley, and South Nation Conservation Authorities monitor water levels and weather forecasts with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry as part of the Flood Forecasting and Warning Program. Updates are provided as conditions change.

This Water Safety Statement will remain in effect until Thursday, June 1 at 5:00 p.m. No further updates will be issued unless forecasted levels or conditions change.

For more information regarding the Ottawa River, visit www.ottawariver.ca.

To view current flood warnings across Ontario, visit: www.ontario.ca/law-and-safety/flood forecasting-and-warning-program.

South Nation Conservation

MEDIA CONTACT:
Erin Thorne, Communications Specialist,
ethorne@nation.on.ca, 1-877-984-2948.

FLOOD DUTY OFFICER:
Jason Symington, Water Resources Specialist - Engineering
jsymington@nation.on.ca, 1-877-984-2948.

Definitions:

  • Water Conditions Statement: Water Safety: indicates that high flows, melting ice or other factors could be dangerous for such users as boaters, anglers, and swimmers but flooding is not expected.
  • Water Conditions Statement: Flood Outlook: gives early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts calling for heavy rain, snow melt, high winds, or other conditions.
  • Flood Watch: potential for flooding exists within specific watercourses and municipalities. Municipalities, emergency services and individual landowners in flood-prone areas should prepare.
  • Flood Warning: flooding is imminent/occurring within specific watercourses and municipalities.