Officials urge caution along Rideau River waterways as weather warms

Hog’s Back Falls along the Rideau River in Ottawa on a cold March day. (Brad Quinn/CTV News Ottawa)

Officials are urging residents to remain cautious near rivers, streams and other bodies of water in the Rideau Valley watershed as the spring freshet season gets underway.

A water safety statement from the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA) says fast-moving water, unstable banks and melting or unstable ice may create hazardous conditions across the watershed as temperatures across the region rise.

Environment Canada has forecasted consistent temperatures above freezing in the region over the next week, with a possibility of rain.

The capital received 109.3 centimetres of snow last month, more than double the average snowfall for February of 48.5 cm. It was the snowiest February in Ottawa since 1971, when 159.5 cm was recorded that month.

Flooding is not anticipated at this time, but water levels are expected to increase. Localized flowing may be possible in low-lying areas, including ditches and stormwater features.

The conservation authority and the City of Ottawa began blasting ice on the Rideau River on March 1 to mitigate the risk of flooding.

“Current observations indicate that water levels and flows across the Rideau Valley Watershed are generally low and below average, with soils still frozen, reducing their ability to absorb water,” the authority says.

“Recent warming has contributed to increased snowpack density and, therefore, greater susceptibility to melting.”

The conservation authority advises anglers, boaters, hikers, parents and pet owners to be especially vigilant to the conditions.

It adds that parents should inform children of the dangers and provide appropriate supervision.