Water levels on Ottawa River decline in Ottawa-Gatineau area

While water levels may have peaked in Gatineau, residents are still on high-alert and dealing with damaged properties. CTV’s Austin Lee reports.

Water levels on the Ottawa River in the national capital region have declined, according to the Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board.

The level recorded at Britannia has dropped by three centimetres, from 60.22 metres to 60.19 m, while levels at Hull fell by two centimetres, dropping from 44.46 m on Wednesday to 44.44 m on Thursday.

The board says levels have stabilized between Pembroke and Britannia, and between Hull and the Carillon Generating Station east of Hawkesbury.

“With moderate temperatures forecast and no major precipitation expected in the next few days, spring runoff from the central unregulated portion of the basin is expected to gradually decrease over the coming week,” the planning board said.

“The rate of decline in flows and levels from Lake Coulonge to Carillon over the coming weeks will depend on weather. Risk of further increase in levels in late April and early May due to high spring runoff from the northern portion of the basin is higher from Mattawa to Lake Coulonge.”

A flood warning remains in effect on the Ottawa River.

The City of Ottawa says the first phase of the freshet appears to have peaked at, or just below, the level recorded in 2023.

“Ongoing monitoring is required though, as conditions are dependent on weather and any remaining inflow from the northern basin,” an update on Wednesday afternoon said.

Boaters have been asked to stay off the Ottawa River.

“Boating close to shore may cause wakes which contribute to additional damage to homes and flood barriers,” the city said.

Gatineau

The City of Gatineau said on Wednesday that nearly 500 buildings are at risk of being affected by flooding along the Ottawa and Gatineau rivers.

The most recent update issued by the city said about 190 buildings “will potentially be flooded,” while 296 buildings are “at risk of being isolated” by rising water levels. Twelve people have voluntarily evacuated their homes due to flooding.

The city says 46 streets are affected by flooding, with 13 accessible only by boat.

Around 57 households have registered as affected, including 109 people who have received services from the Red Cross, the city said.

The City of Gatineau has opened a reception desk at the Centre Sportif at 850 de la Gappe Boulevard for people to meet with the Red Cross.

Mississippi Valley

A flood warning was issued for the Mississippi Valley watershed on Wednesday.

The Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority says levels on Dalhousie Lake and the Mississippi River downstream were expected to rise on Wednesday.

A flood watch is in effect for the Upper Lakes on the Mississippi River Watershed, including Shabomeka, Mazinaw, Little Marble, Marble, Kashwakamak, Big Gull, and Mississagagon.

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