Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board

Flows and water levels along the main stem of the Ottawa River are above normal for this time of year due to an early onset of freshet. With warmer temperatures, spring runoff is increasing and water levels and flows along the main stem of the Ottawa River are expected to increase slightly over the next few days in all locations. They should stabilize early next week, and are expected to receed later next week with the return of colder seasonal temperatures. Water levels in the reach between Gatineau (Hull) and Grenville are currently higher than anticipated due to possible ice effects as the ice cover becomes more fragile. Please refer to the Forecasts section of our website for more information about the water levels in your area and note that level forecasts for theGatineau (Hull) and Thurso locations have a higher uncertainty than usual. Minor flooding in low-lying areas may occur over the next week as a result of the increased spring runoff. Low-lying areas (such as recreational trails near water) are those locations that regularly flood during the spring freshet period.