End of Daily River Conditions Forecast and 4-day Forecast

Bulletins posted on 2024-05-10 by Ottawa River Regulation Secretariat

The Ottawa River Regulation Secretariat would like to inform residents of the Ottawa River Basin that today, May 10, is the final day of the 4-day forecast for spring freshet 2024.  Accordingly, the ‘Forecasts’ web page will be deactivated on Monday May 13.  Additionally, the ‘River Conditions Forecast’ message, which describes current and forecast river conditions, will now be updated every Tuesday.

The snow in the northern part of the basin has all melted, levels are in the normal range in all locations along the main stem of the Ottawa River, and no significant precipitation is in the forecast; therefore, daily forecasting of river conditions is no longer required.  The general trend, for the full length of the river, is for stable or slightly decreasing flows and levels as the spring runoff continues to decline across the watershed. While leaves and vegetation are not yet fully developed in the northern part of the basin, significant flow increases from the north to downstream areas are very unlikely over the next month. Principal reservoirs are now being managed to target summer levels.

If conditions change and flood risks increase, the daily forecasting and messaging of river conditions will resume.