WEST CARLETON – The conservation authorities monitoring the Ottawa River are maintaining their flood warning even as the Ottawa River slowly recedes.

“Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA), in conjunction with the Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority (MVCA) and South Nation Conservation (SNC) is maintaining the flood warning issued on April 19, for the areas under our jurisdiction along the Ottawa River,” the three organizations released in a joint statement. “The most recent analysis from the Ottawa River Regulation Committee (ORRC) indicates water levels along the lower Ottawa River from Chats Lake to the Grenville/ Hawkesbury area are slowly declining but remain high.”

All flood-prone areas along the Ottawa River from Lac Coulonge down to the Montreal Archipelago are at risk as spring runoff continues along the upper Ottawa River. Levels are expected to remain high for the next few weeks. Risk is highly dependent on the amount of precipitation that is received. Residents are strongly urged to keep sandbags in place for now. Updates to all projections will be provided as they become available.

Residents in flood-prone areas are encouraged to closely follow evolving conditions and to take necessary measures. Residents are advised to stay away from watercourses where flows are high and where banks might be unstable. Parents are encouraged to explain dangers to children.

This flood warning is in effect until Wednesday, May 22.

RVCA and its Ottawa partners, MVCA and SNC monitor the water levels and weather forecasts with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry as part of the Flood Forecasting and Warning Program. Updates are provided as conditions change.

The Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board will be reassessing forecast conditions and providing hydrological condition updates on its website daily at www.ottawariver.ca/forecast.php.

To view current flood warnings across Ontario, click here.