Flood Watch - April 15th, 2024 - The Town of Arnprior

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry – Pembroke District, is advising area residents that a Flood Watch is in effect areas along the Ottawa River until Monday, April 22, 2024.

Residents in Renfrew County / Pembroke District should consider the following:

Significant rainfall (up to 75 mm) was received in the Abitibi-Timiskaming area between April 11 and 13. This event melted most of the remaining snow, which increased the amount of runoff. The combined effect of rain and snowmelt caused inflows in that part of the basin to increase very rapidly. Water levels and flows along the main stem of the
Ottawa River from Mattawa down to Lac Coulonge have increased rapidly as a result.
Throughout Pembroke District the grounds are wet as a result of the recent precipitation. Under such circumstances, the forecast rain will produce moderate to high runoff. Although no widespread flooding is expected at this time, water levels and flow in rivers and lakes will increase, and flooding in low-lying areas and areas with poor drainage is possible.
Residents and visitors in the area should keep a close watch on conditions and exercise caution around rivers and streams. Please alert and monitor any children under your care to possible dangers and supervise their activities. The precipitation that fell over the weekend could cause local flooding in low lying areas.

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

Technical Information

Description of Weather System

Fair weather conditions will continue to be seen across the province on Tuesday, but from the evening hours and onwards, a massive Colorado low will start advancing into the Northwest region bringing widespread heavy rain/showers into Wednesday and Thursday. This system is expected to stall out over the province to some degree throughout the rest of the outlook period with potential rainfall totals anywhere from 20-40mm. Lots of easterly and southeasterly blustery winds are expected to follow suit and most places will be cooling back to single digit temperatures.

Description of Current Conditions

Flows and levels are expected to continue increasing over the next few days from Pembroke down to the Montreal Region and should start decreasing later this week. Minor flooding in low-lying areas may occur over the next week. Low-lying areas are those locations that regularly flood during the spring freshet period.

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 Information

Kelly Danby

Pembroke District Office

Tel. (613) 504-2282

Website: www.ontario.ca/mnrf