Rising Ottawa River Water Levels

Press Release posted on 2022-04-08 by Ottawa River Regulating Committee

The Ottawa River Regulating Committee would like to inform watershed residents (see note below) that levels and flows along the Ottawa River are expected to begin increasing as a result of the onset of the spring freshet period in the Ottawa River basin. The Committee cautions residents along the shores of the Ottawa River from Mattawa down to the Montreal region that throughout the spring freshet period water levels can rise rapidly at times and cause minor flooding in low-lying areas.

There are currently no flooding indicators of concern. There was a partial melt of the snow earlier in March. A large part of the snow cover in the basin had near-average water content at the end of March, and the freshet is beginning at the normal time of year. However, it is too early to forecast peak river conditions. The 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.

Further bulletins will be published if flood risks increase.

Read the Press release

Note: This press release does not apply to residents of the Abitibi-Timiskaming area or tributaries of the Ottawa River.