Flood Watch issued for Rideau River

CTV Viewer Barb Zappa sent in this photo of the Rideau River burting its banks in Osgoode, Ont. (Barb Zappa/CTV Viewer)

The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority has issued a Flood Watch for the Rideau Valley, warning of potential flooding along the Rideau River this weekend.

In a statement, the conservation authority says with heavy rain in the forecast this weekend and the residual snowpack still intact in some areas, potential flooding could begin in low-lying areas starting on Saturday.

Environment Canada's forecast calls for periods of rain or snow on Friday and Saturday.

"Since early March, we have experienced a very gradual snow melt with some precipitation across the Rideau Valley Watershed," the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority said in a statement.

"As such, snow remains in some parts of our watershed, most prominently in the City of Ottawa and the Tay River watershed, which indicates a potential for flooding in low-lying areas adjacent to any rivers, creeks or ditches."

The conservation authority says based on the weekend forecast, water levels and flows are expected to increase in all waterways in the Rideau Valley Watershed. Officials say the following areas may see flooding:

The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority says water levels in the upper watershed lakes are "presently near normal for this time of year."

Ottawa River

The Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board says water levels and flows in most locations along the main stem of the Ottawa River are currently below average for this time of year.

"Based on forecast warmer temperatures and rainfall, water levels and flows are expected to increase over the coming week and should remain close to seasonal values," the board said in a statement on Thursday.