May 9, 2017 MISSISSIPPI VALLEY WATERSHED—The FLOOD WARNING issued by the Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority (MVCA) on May 7, 2017 remains in effect for the Mississippi Valley watershed.
“Water levels have peaked in some areas and flows are beginning to drop. Levels on Dalhousie Lake appear to have stabilized at heights similar to the 1998 flood and are expected to start declining Thursday,” stated Gord Mountenay, MVCA Water Management Supervisor. “However, this may be only a temporary reprieve as there is some significant rainfall in the forecast for this weekend which could cause levels to increase again should it materialize. Simply put, we have nowhere left to put any additional water. All lakes in the upper region of the watershed are well above normal levels and climbing, although they are expected to level off today or early tomorrow,” said Mountenay. “While the system has been operated to try to minimize flooding across the watershed, if we get more rain we will be left with no other option but to release additional water from those lakes, which will just compound problems downstream.”
Flows on the upper Clyde River peaked and have been dropping since yesterday. The lower Clyde peaked last night but has yet to decline. Flows on the Fall River appear to have stabilized at this time. Water levels on Mississippi Lake continue to climb and are expected to increase another 10 to 20 cm before leveling off on Friday.
Residents are being advised to stay away from watercourses where flows are high and where banks might be unstable. Parents are encouraged to explain these dangers to their children.
The FLOOD WARNING for the Ottawa River remains in effect although it appears that water levels are steadily declining at this time. This FLOOD WARNING update for the Mississippi Valley watershed is valid through May 12, 2017. Additional statements will be issued when or if conditions are expected to change significantly from this outlook.
For more information regarding the Ottawa River, visit www.ottawariver.ca. Daily water levels and flows for the Mississippi Valley watershed are available on the MVCA website at http://mvc.on.ca/water-levels/.
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