Flood Warning - April 17th, 2023

The Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry has released a Flood Warning for the Pembroke District. This warning is in effect until Friday, April 21, 2023 unless further information is provided by the Ministry. 

Access the Flood Warning Notice

Flood Warning Pembroke District   

Monday, April 17, 2023 2:00 pm 

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry – Pembroke District is advising area residents that a Flood Warning is in effect for the Ottawa River until Friday, April 21, 2023.

Residents along the main stem of the Ottawa River, for the area of Lac Coulonge (near Westmeath) and downstream to Arnprior should Consider the following:

Record high temperatures over the last week are causing the heavy snowpack to melt very rapidly in the uncontrolled tributaries of the Ottawa River.  Accounting for the combined effect of the rapid snowmelt and the on-going rain event, it is anticipated that the area will exceed the thresholds for the start of major flood levels along the Ottawa River at Lake Coulonge, and areas downstream (Chats Lake, and Lake Deschenes), starting Wednesday April 19.

Levels are expected to reach minor flood levels in the Pembroke area starting Wednesday. Levels are expected to remain stable thereafter.   

The maximum levels to be reached this week are expected to be well below the historical high of 2019.

Residents that have been affected by high water and flow conditions in the past should take necessary action to protect/secure any vulnerable property in proximity to rivers and lakes and closely monitor developing conditions and regularly check for updated messages. 

Residents and visitors should exercise caution while around waterbodies and maintain close supervision of children and pets. 

The ministry is closely monitoring the weather and developing watershed conditions. Further updates will be issued as appropriate. 

Technical Information

Description of Weather System

The unseasonably warm temperatures from the previous week have ended and colder air moves back into the region today with temperatures around 10°C this afternoon. Drizzle and showers will prevail today with a possibility of 10 mm of rain. Overnight lows will fall back around freezing. Daytime high temperatures for the rest of the week will hover between 7 and 15°C with nighttime temperatures hovering around 0°C. In addition, there is a possibility of 10-15 mm of rain predicted for Thursday. Above zero degree daytime temperatures in combination with any precipitation events will result in further snow melt and continued run-off during this time period.

Description of Current Conditions

Water levels and flows on the main stem of the Ottawa River are increasing in all locations due to the rapid melt of the snowpack in the central and southern parts of the basin. Levels are expected to exceed minor flood levels in all areas along the river from Lake Coulonge down to the Montreal area.  MNRF is closely monitoring the weather and developing watershed conditions. Further updates will be issued as appropriate.

Definitions

• Watershed Conditions Statement - Water Safety: indicates that high flows, melting ice or other factors could be dangerous for such users as boaters, anglers and swimmers but flooding is not expected.
• Watershed Conditions Statement - Flood Outlook: gives early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts calling for heavy rain, snow melt, high winds or other conditions
• Shoreline Conditions Statement - Water Safety: indicates that along the Great Lakes shorelines high water, melting ice or other factors could be dangerous but flooding is not expected. 
• Shoreline Conditions Statement - Flood Outlook: gives early notice of the potential for flooding along the Great Lakes shorelines based on weather and lake conditions, and water safety information. 
• Flood Watch: potential for flooding exists within specific watercourses and municipalities
• Flood Warning: flooding is imminent or occurring within specific watercourses and municipalities.

Learn More

• Surface Water Monitoring Centre public webpage: www.ontario.ca/page/surface-water-monitoring-centre
• Environment Canada bulletins: www.weather.gc.ca 
• A close watch on local conditions and weather forecasts from Environment Canada is recommended.

Contact

Kelly Danby

Pembroke District Office

613-504-2282

ontario.ca/mnrf