MVCA Upgrades Their Flood Watch To Flood Warning
- Clarke Kelly
- May 2
- 4 min read
On Thursday evening, the Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority (MVCA) upgraded their flood watch to a flood warning. Updates a week ago had been projecting a peak last Tuesday, which has been pushed ahead with every update we have received from the Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board (OttawaRiver.ca).
The messaging now says that we should expect “elevated water levels” until at least May 5th.
We are still looking at levels still being approximately 35cm below the 2023 peak. City of Ottawa Emergency Operations has done a great job over the last week ensuring residents have what they need close by to protect their property.
It is important to note that while the City can and will provide materials such as sandbags, sand, shovels etc. they cannot work on private property. If you feel that you will need assistance or would like to provide help to those requesting it, I suggest going to www.westcarletonrelief.ca or reach out to my office Clarke.Kelly@Ottawa.ca and we will do our best to help.
Here's some additional info from West Carleton Disaster Relief:
As you're probably aware, the flood watch is now a minor flood warning, but predictions are still holding for levels below the 2023 peak. We will keep our website updated, as needed: westcarletonrelief.ca/
May 1, 2025 — This FLOOD WARNING upgrades the
Flood Watch issued April 25, 2025, for areas along the
Lower Ottawa River (Arnprior to Hawkesbury).
Water levels and flows have been steadily rising along the Ottawa River due to recent rainfall combined with ongoing snowmelt in the northern basin. Additional increases are expected over the coming days, with further rain and meltwater forecast.
According to the Ottawa River Regulation Secretariat, flood-prone areas from Arnprior to Hawkesbury remain at risk. Current forecasts suggest that water levels on the main Ottawa River will remain 55 - 80 cm below the 2019 historic flood levels, and below 2023 peak levels.
• Pembroke to Britannia: Minor flood levels have been exceeded, with potential for major flooding in some locations starting Friday.
• Gatineau (Hull Marina) to Hawkesbury: Minor flood thresholds have been exceeded; peak levels are expected to stay below major flood limits.
Elevated water levels are forecast to persist beyond May 5, 2025, with an updated statement to follow.
This advisory includes flood-prone locations such as Lake Coulonge, Chats Lake, Britannia / Lac Deschênes, Pointe-Gatineau, Cumberland, Clarence-Rockland, and Hawkesbury.
Area-Specific Forecasts:
Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority (MVCA):
Constance Bay: Water levels expected to rise ~25 cm by weekend. This remains about 35 cm below the 2023 peak. Flooding of low-lying properties, roads, and shoreline structures is possible.
Residents should monitor shoreline conditions and prepare accordingly.
Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA):
Britannia (Grandview Rd, Belltown Community): Expected rise of ~30 cm by weekend, about 15 cm below 2023 levels. Low-lying yards, parks, and roads may experience localized flooding.
East of Cumberland Village (Boisé Village, Morin Rd, Léo Lane): Anticipated rise of ~25 cm by weekend, ~75 cm below 2023 peaks. Potential access issues along Boisé Lane; residents should prepare for restricted road access.
South Nation Conservation (SNC):
Clarence-Rockland (Voisine Road and Old Highway 17): Forecasted increase of ~30 cm by weekend, ~35 cm below 2023 levels. Low-lying areas near the river and some municipal roads may experience water on the roadway; residents should secure property and monitor updates.
Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR):
Hawkesbury: Expected rise of ~20 cm by weekend, ~25 cm below 2023 peaks. Shoreline properties, parks, and some access roads could be affected.
Note: Forecasted increases are relative to water levels measured as of 8:00 a.m., May 1, 2025.
These projections depend on the rate of remaining snowmelt in the Upper Ottawa River Watershed and the amount of rainfall received over the coming days.
Residents in flood prone or low-lying areas, historically susceptible to flooding, should take the necessary precautions to protect their property. Please ensure:
• Sump pump is clear, in good working condition and has a backwater valve on it.
• Easy access to portable backup generator and pump.
• Downspouts are clear and the outlet is at least 3 m from the dwelling.
• Driveway culverts are clear of debris and drain well.
• Securing items that might float away as flows increase.
Additional Information
The Mississippi Valley, Rideau Valley, and South Nation Conservation Authorities continue to monitor conditions alongside the Ministry of Natural Resources and under Ontario’s Flood Forecasting and Warning Program. Updates are provided as conditions change.
For current Ottawa River conditions and forecasts, visit:
For provincial flood warnings, visit:
This FLOOD WARNING is in effect until May 5, 2025, at 5:00 PM.
For More Information:
Daily water levels and flows are available on the MVCA website at www.mvc.on.ca/water-levels.
MVCA Contact:
Jennifer North, Water Resource Technologist
613-253-0006 ext. 243
NEWSROOMS PLEASE NOTE:
A Watershed Conditions Statement is NOT a flood warning. Its purpose is to raise public awareness about a change or potential change in watershed conditions.
See below for watershed conditions terminology:
Watershed Conditions Statement: General notice of weather conditions that could pose a risk to personal safety or which have the potential to lead to flooding. There are two variations of these:
Water Safety Statement: High flows, unsafe banks, melting ice or other factors could be dangerous for recreational users such as anglers, canoeists, hikers, children, pets, etc. Flooding is not expected.
Flood Outlook Statement: Early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts calling for heavy rain, snow melt, high wind or other conditions that could lead to high runoff, cause ice jams, lakeshore flooding or erosion.
Flood Watch: Flooding is possible in specific watercourses or municipalities. Municipalities, emergency services and individual landowners in flood-prone areas should prepare.
Flood Warning: Flooding is imminent or already occurring in specific watercourses or municipalities. Municipalities and individuals should act to deal with flood conditions. This may include road closures and evacuations.
