Yesterday Corwin Quade, Community Emergency Management Coordinator for Madawaska Valley, reported on the Spring Freshet status and advised, “Everything is right where it should be for this time of the year.” Above: Combermere boat launch, photo Corwin Quade
In a bulletin issued at 4 p.m. Tuesday and repeated in the Spring Freshet call yesterday, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) – Pembroke District advised area residents that the Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety that is in effect in the District has been extended until Wednesday, April 22, 2020. This Statement indicates that high flows, melting ice or other factors could be dangerous for such users as boaters, anglers and swimmers but flooding is not expected.
MNRF advises that residents in Renfrew County should keep a close watch on conditions, regularly check for updated messages and exercise caution near fast-moving rivers and streams. Residents who have a historic susceptibility to flooding should take appropriate precautions to protect their property, such as ensuring sump pumps are functioning and securing items that may float away as water levels rise.
The ministry is closely monitoring the weather and developing watershed conditions. Further updates will be issued as appropriate.
Barry’s Bay boat launch showing water levels, photo Corwin Quade
Dam updates
The Ottawa, Madawaska and Bonnechere Rivers are being monitored and reports provided during the Spring Freshet call indicate normal spring levels. Petawawa and Coulonge Rivers (upper tributaries of the Ottawa River) have not peaked yet and the lower tributaries (Bonnechere and Mississippi Rivers) are all in decline. The tributaries of the Madawaska River are tapering down, and a planned significant reduction at Bark Lake and Kamaniskeg will result in a reduction along the river. A continued steady decline in the Madawaska Watershed water levels is expected in the weeks to come. The water level in the Bonnechere River going into Round Lake continues to drop. Round Lake was expected to crest yesterday and Golden Lake is expected to crest in the next couple of days. There have been no impacts from high water or flooding anywhere in the Bonnechere watershed this spring.
Learn more:
• Surface Water Monitoring Centre public webpage www.ontario.ca/floodforecast
• Environment Canada bulletins: www. weather.gc.ca
• A close watch on local conditions and weather forecasts from Environment Canada is recommended
Davis,C. MNRF(2020,Apr.14) Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety, Pembroke District [bulletin]
Quade,C. Madawaska Valley Township(2020,Apr.15) Spring freshet #5 2020 [update]