Levels and flows along the Ottawa River have started to rise because of increasing spring runoff.
The Ottawa River Regulating Committee is warning watershed residents along the shores of the Ottawa River from Mattawa down to the Montreal Region that throughout the spring freshet period water levels can rise rapidly at times and cause minor flooding in low-lying areas.
Officials say spring started early this year and the snow cover has slowly melted away from the central and southern parts of the basin over the last few weeks. However, heavy rainfall events in parts of the watershed may cause levels and flows to change rapidly in downstream river reaches.
The Regulating Committee will be closely monitoring the effects of precipitation over the next few weeks and further bulletins will be published if flood risks increase.
Refer to the River Conditions Forecast message at www.ottawariver.ca for frequent updates on river conditions throughout the freshet.
(Sherry Haaima)