Rideau Valley Conservation Promotes Flood Preparation

Mar 16, 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 Rideau Valley Conservation and Parks 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.
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 and will be updated at that time unless the forecast or conditions change first.