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 https://parks.canada.ca/lhn-nhs/on/rideau/info/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 amounts for September and October have contributed to 25-50 % less precipitation compared to the long-term mean. The months of September and October contributed to values that are less than 50-75 mm than the long-term mean. The 5-day forecast suggests a temperature trend above the freezing mark and about 5-10 mm of rain.
Outlook
The extended low amounts of precipitation have decreased flows and water levels at most locations. The most recent rainfall events were spatially variable and not significant. As a result, flows remain below average and receding across the Rideau Canal. The current forecast indicates that water levels and outflows may continue to decline and are subject to change depending on the amount of rain in the forecast.
The Rideau Canal Water Management team will be actively monitoring the changing conditions. Any watershed condition updates will be released by your Conservation Authority.
Cataraqui River
The lack of rainfall is resulting in continued water level declines on the Cataraqui Lakes. The lakes remain on average and currently are subject to a gradual seasonal drawdown.
Tay River
Bobs Lake is below-average level for this time of year, and water levels are receding. Outflows from Bobs Lake are below average, resulting in lower-than-average water levels on Christie Lake. Flows on the Upper Tay River have been significantly below average and approaching their minimal seasonal flows.
Rideau River
Wolfe Lake and Upper Rideau Lake levels are near average level for this time of year. Big Rideau is below long-term average. The outflows from Big Rideau Lake are minimal. Levels in the river from Smiths Falls to Ottawa all remain in seasonal range. Flows on the Rideau River have been significantly below average.
