Parks Canada's water management team continues to actively monitor water levels, flows, and weather forecasts across the Rideau Canal National Historic Site. These factors are used to determine dam operations on a daily basis for the Rideau Canal National Historic Site.
Parks Canada maintains the Ontario Waterways Water Management InfoNet on the Rideau Canal website at https://parks.canada.ca/lhn-nhs/on/rideau/info/infonet.
The InfoNet provides background information on water management practices, updates on water management, frequently asked questions about water management, various reports on water management, and the most recent water levels of lakes along both the Rideau Canal and the Trent-Severn Waterway. The information comes from hydrometric gauges located at key points along both waterways and is vetted by trained and experienced Parks Canada water management staff.
This information is intended as supplemental information only. Your respective Conservation Authority continues to serve as the primary source for relevant flood forecasting information specific to your area. These are the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority and the Cataraqui Conservation Authority.
Weather
This week, the passage of a Colorado Low is forecasted to result in a significant amount of precipitation amounting to 25–50 mm across all watersheds. There remains considerable uncertainty regarding the track of the system. Air temperatures are forecasted to rise this week, with daily highs in the double digits.
Outlook
Current conditions indicate that water levels will increase due to already saturated conditions across the watersheds. The current forecast indicates that water levels and outflows will increase at most locations. The Rideau Water Management team will be actively monitoring the changing conditions. Any watershed condition updates will be released by your Conservation Authority.
Cataraqui River
All lakes are above average water levels for this time of year. Outflows will increase.
Tay River
Bobs Lake levels are above average due to earlier-than-normal snowmelt. Christie Lake levels are below average but are expected to increase due to the forecasted precipitation event and melt.
Rideau River
Upper Rideau and Big Rideau Lakes are above average for this time of year. Wolfe Lake levels are above average. River reaches between Smiths Falls and Long Island will increase in response to rain runoff. Flows on the Rideau River are below average and expected to increase.
