2025: RISING OTTAWA RIVER WATER LEVELS

Press Release posted on 2025-03-19 by Ottawa River Regulating Committee

The Ottawa River Regulating Committee would like to inform watershed residents that levels and flows along the Ottawa River have begun increasing due to spring runoff. It cautions residents along the shores of the Ottawa River from Mattawa down to the Montreal Region that throughout the spring freshet period, which can span several weeks, water levels can rise rapidly at times and cause minor flooding in low-lying areas. Spring freshet is starting early this year due to recent warm temperatures combined with rain that initiated the melting of snow across the Ottawa River basin. Weather forecasts call for the return of closer to normal temperatures and a moderate melt of the remaining snow cover. It is too early to predict the magnitude and timing of the peak in the main stem of the Ottawa River. The Regulating Committee will be closely monitoring the effects of precipitation and temperature increases throughout the spring freshet period as they may cause levels and flows to change rapidly. A second press release will be published if flood risks increase.

Refer to the River Conditions Forecast message at www.ottawariver.ca for frequent updates on river conditions throughout the freshet.

READ THE PRESS RELEASE  >>  2025-03-19 Ottawa River Press Release