Parks Canada's water management team continues to actively monitor water levels, flows, and weather forecasts across the Rideau Canal National Historic Site of Canada. These factors are used to determine dam operations on a daily basis for the Rideau Canal National Historic Site of Canada.
Parks Canada maintains the Ontario Waterways Water Management InfoNet on the Rideau Canal website at Water Management InfoNet
The InfoNet contains background information on water management practices, water management updates, 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
Rainfall over the last week of March combined with a significant rainfall event early this week have resulted in total precipitation amounts ranging from 50-80 mm over that time period which have increased water levels and flows across the Rideau Canal. An additional 20 mm of precipitation is expected during the next 5 days. Please check the website of your local conservation authority or the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry for the most up-to-date watershed conditions.
Cataraqui River
Lakes from Kingston Mills Lockstation to Newboro Lockstation are near full. Levels are predicted to increase with the continued rainfall.
Tay River
Bobs Lake is near full and will see continued rising water levels, as will Christie Lake. Tay River flows will continue to increase due to the rain.
Rideau River
Wolfe Lake and Upper Rideau Lakes are full, and Big Rideau is, on average, below full but expected to rise. Outflows from Big Rideau are being increased. Flows and levels are expected to increase down the Rideau River due to the rain.
