Water levels have reached their peaks along the Ottawa and Rideau Rivers, according to their respective authorities.
The Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board says, as of 2:00 p.m. Monday, peak levels had been reached along most sections of the main stem of the Ottawa River, between Mattawa and Hawkesbury/Grenville. With no significant precipitation in the forecast this week, the ORRPB expects water levels to slowly recede.
The City of Gatineau has announced that levels have stabilized. They are working with the Quebec Ministry of Transportation to reopen Highway 50 as soon as possible. Westbound lanes of the 50 remain closed until further notice between Boulevard de La Gappe and Rue Montcalm. Eastbound lanes are closed between Rue Montcalm and Highway 5.
Earlier Monday, officials from Gatineau had been told to expect a new rise in water levels by Wednesday. Yves Melanson, media relations with the City of Gatineau, tells CFRA’s Ottawa Now with Evan Solomon city officials are monitoring the situation closely.
“We were told that maybe the water level could increase a bit more by Wednesday,” he says. “Now, is it because people were thinking we would get rain? We’re getting some snowflakes today. Tomorrow, we’ll have some sun. We’ll be able to see from the readings overnight. Tomorrow morning, if the levels have been maintained, that could be an indication that it’s starting to go away. This morning, the level was at a standstill, so that would be two days at that level, which could be an indication that we may be over this.”
The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority says peak levels have been reached along lower Rideau watershed downstream of Smiths Falls. Levels are expected to begin declining as of Monday afternoon.
Along the Long Reach of the Rideau, near Kemptville, levels have stabilized and are also expected to begin to decline as of Monday afternoon.
The RVCA says it may take several days. They cite an example of the Hilly Lane area, where there is over 30cm of water to shed.