The Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board says things on the water are mostly holding, but that could change if the forecast does not cooperate.
Water levels and flows along the main stem of the river are rising gradually from Mattawa to Pembroke but are stable or slightly declining between Lake Coulonge and Chats Lake in Arnprior.
Reservoirs upstream of the Ottawa Valley are passing increased flows downstream as accelerated snowmelt is expected in the northern part of the watershed, and the ORRPB is warning that a second peak remains possible in the area as the rate of melt and the potential for rainfall remain uncertain in the coming weeks.
A rapid melt combined with rain could lead to water levels higher than those observed during the first peak of the season between April 19 and 22.
(written by Kasey Egan)
