A flood watch has been issued for the Rideau Valley Watershed in the North Gower area with mild temperatures and rain in the forecast this week. The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority has issued a water safety statement for the entire Rideau River watershed, while a flood watch is in effect for the Stevens Creek and Taylor Drain area in the village of North Gower. Officials say water levels and flows are expected to increase across the Rideau River watershed over the next week, while the Rideau River and larger sub-watersheds are expected to “respond more gradually, with peak levels more likely occurring later this week.” “Widespread significant riverine flooding is not anticipated at this time,” the conservation authority said. “Localized flooding in low-lying areas remains possible, and rapid melt conditions may increase the risk of ice movement and localized ice jam formation. Conditions will continue to be closely monitored.” In the Stevens Creek and Taylor Drain area, water levels and flows are expected to rise “rapidly” over the weekend, and “may possibly exceed flooding onset levels.” Environment Canada’s forecast calls for a high of 5 C on Friday, 9 C on Saturday and 7 C on Sunday, with rain expected on Friday and Saturday. Mild temperatures are expected to continue next week. The Ottawa River Water levels and flows are expected to “increase slightly” on the Ottawa River between Lac Deschenes and the Carillon Dam. The Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board says water levels will “remain fairly stable upstream of Lake Deschenes over the coming week.”
