WEST CARLETON — The Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority says the Carp River has peaked but did issue a flood watch for Dalhousie Lake in Lanark County.

“Flows in the Carp River have peaked and have been declining steadily,” the MVCA released in a statement today (April 12). “Increases in flows are expected as the river responds to precipitation but no significant flooding along that watercourse is anticipated.”

The MVCA is issuing a Flood Watch for Dalhousie Lake. 

“With rain in the forecast for today and 25 to 40 millimetres forecast for Sunday and Monday, levels on Dalhousie Lake could increase by 10 to 15 centimetres by early next week,” the MVCA said.

Flows on the Clyde, Fall and Indian rivers have stabilized over the last couple of days but are expected to increase as a result of the forecasted rainfall. No significant flooding is expected in other areas of the watershed over the next three days.

“Parents are encouraged to remind their children about hypothermia and the dangers of playing on or near ice covered surfaces or fast flowing water in ditches and smaller creeks,” the MVCA said. “They are also reminded to keep their pets away from the same areas. Residents are strongly urged to stay off all ice covered waterways.”

Residents in flood prone or low lying areas, historically susceptible to flooding, should take the necessary precautions to protect their property, such as:

Ensuring sump pump is clear, in good working condition and has a backwater valve on it

Portable backup generator and/or battery pump

Ensuring downspouts are clear and the outlet is at least 3 m from the dwelling

Removing or securing items that might float away as flows increase

Removing valuable items from basements or lower floors that could be subject to flooding

Keep emergency phone numbers handy

Familiarize yourself with your municipality’s emergency preparedness plan

“Significant rainfall is forecasted over the next seven day period and that has the potential to cause some flooding across the watershed,” the MVCCA said. “The MVCA will continue to monitor conditions and provide updates as required.”

Daily water levels and flows are available on the MVCA website at www.mvc.on.ca

Updates to the watershed conditions will be issued as required. The flood watch is in effect until April 15 and will be updated at that time unless the forecast or conditions change.

The Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority flood forecasting and warning program staff monitors conditions, snowpack water, operates dams to help mitigate flooding, estimates expected river flows and water levels and issues flood advisories or warnings as required. MVCA provides early warning and continuous monitoring to municipal and provincial emergency response personnel through a flood event.