We have all seen the water levels drop considerably over the past week or so, which is a very positive sign. Currently, the long-term forecast remains favourable with cooler temperatures. Additionally, the reservoirs are relatively low and should be able to manage the remaining northern snowmelt. Despite this, some minor flooding is possible if the river basin receives high, ongoing rainfall volumes over the next few weeks. Our team will continue to monitor the situation and advise if we foresee any concerns. Pre-deployed sandbags will remain in place until we have more certainty that the northern melt is no longer a concern and water levels have stabilized.
River Conditions Forecast as provided by the Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board (ORRB):
Last Update: 2020-04-23 3:09 PM
“With most reservoirs in Abitibi-Timiskaming continuing to release a steady flow of runoff from this region to downstream locations, levels in Mattawa are expected to remain fairly stable over the coming week. Levels continue to decrease along the main stem of the Ottawa River from Pembroke down to the Montreal region as runoff from melting snow in local tributaries decreases. With warmer temperatures forecast to return this weekend combined with precipitation over the southern portion of the basin, levels are expected to start to stabilize into the weekend and early next week in most locations.”
In addition, the ORRB just released their “Mid-April Spring Conditions Overview”.
