Water levels on most parts of the Ottawa River are on the rise after historic lows were recorded this year (2021).
On June 24th, the water levels on the Ottawa River in the Pembroke area hit record low levels not seen in 34-years, dating back to 1987. From June 24th to July 19th, levels in Pembroke have gone up 0.71 meters (2.59 feet) according to data reported by the Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board.
The Ottawa River at Des Joachims remains at average levels with no major changes in water levels reported, despite a significant increase in the amount of water flowing on a daily basis last week.
Levels in Mattawa spiked last week (July 12-17), showing an increase of 0.76 meters (2.49 feet), however in the last two days have dropped almost a foot (11.8 inches).
Levels are on the rise at Lac Coulonge on the Ottawa River after hovering near historic lows until recently. From June 24th to July 19th levels on the Ottawa River near Fort Coulonge have increased 0.56 meters (1.83 feet).
In the last month (since June 24th, 2021), levels at the Chenaux Generating Station have increased by 0.4 meters (1.31 feet).
On June 10th, 2021, the Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board recorded record low water levels at Chats Lake on the Ottawa River at Arnprior. Water levels on the Ottawa River near Arnprior continue to hover near record lows and have only increased 0.08 meters (3.14 inches) since that time
The Ottawa River regulators say recent rainfall in the Abitibi-Timiscaming region of up to 90 mm has caused a sharp increase in reservoir levels. Reservoir discharges have resulted in significant increases in flows and levels are expected downstream on the Ottawa River.
Full details and updated reports can be found on the Ottawa River Regulation Planning Boards website.
