Water levels continue to stabilize around Ottawa and Gatineau

High water levels in Constance Bay along the Ottawa River on April 20, 2026. (CTV News Ottawa)

The water levels of the Ottawa River around the National Capital Region continue to stabilize, but a second peak could be on the horizon.

According to the Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board, water levels dropped 2 centimetres at Britannia/Lake Deschenes on Saturday and now sit at 60.11 metres. In Gatineau, the water levels at Hull have dropped another five centimetres to 44.24 metres.

Water levels peaked on Tuesday and have dropped 11 centimetres at Britannia/Lake Deschenes and 22 centimetres at Hull since then.

• Flood levels stabilize in Gatineau, but anxiety lingers for residents

“Water levels and flows along the main stem of the Ottawa River are stable or slightly declining between Pembroke and Carillon, while continuing to rise gradually in Mattawa,” the Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board said in a statement on Friday.

While water levels continue to stabilize, the Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board warns of the possibility of a second peak due to potential rainfall and snowmelt in the northern portion of the basin.

“As a result, in the coming weeks, a second flood peak remains possible from Pembroke to the Montreal region, as well as the possibility of levels at Mattawa exceeding major flood levels for the first time,” the board wrote.

“A rapid melt combined with rainfall could lead to water levels higher than those observed between April 19 and 22 in all locations.”

Near Pembroke, water levels increased by 1 centimetre.

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