Flood Warning - May 4th, 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 Tuesday, May 9, 2023 unless further information is provided by the Ministry. 

Access the Flood Warning Notice

Flood Warning for the Pembroke District   

Thursday, May 04, 2023 at 3:00 pm

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry – Pembroke District is advising area residents that a Flood Warning remains in effect for all areas along the Ottawa River until Tuesday, May 09, 2023.

Residents along the main stem of the Ottawa River should be aware of the following:

• Flows and levels on the Ottawa River continue to rise due to increased runoff from significant rainfall over the entire basin received over the last few days. Levels should remain below the historical levels of 2019. Levels are expected to slightly exceed the major flood threshold in Pembroke. Levels are above major flood threshold in Lake Coulonge and are expected to exceed that threshold in Chats Lake and Lake Deschenes.
• 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 slow-moving low-pressure system that brought significant rainfall to the province over the weekend is expected to affect weather in the area until a high-pressure ridge pushes in from the west for the weekend.

Description of Current Conditions

The water levels along the Ottawa River remain elevated in response to the earlier precipitation and snowmelt.

Water levels and flows are expected to stabilize into the weekend and should start to decline slowly into next week with the return of sunny and drier weather. Reservoirs in the northern part of the watershed, which are being used to store runoff and minimize flooding downstream, are rapidly filling. Once reservoirs are full, they will have little capacity to reduce river flows in downstream areas. Levels will therefore remain susceptible to further rise should additional significant rainfall occur over the coming few weeks.

Local water levels, flows and flooding situation should be monitored closely, particularly those areas with a history of spring freshet flooding.

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