Rising water levels on the Ottawa River: a vigilance advisory issued

Rising water levels on the Ottawa River: a vigilance advisory issued

The municipalities of Mansfield-et-Pontefract and Fort-Coulonge issued a public notice on April 14th, 2026, at 1:00 p.m., regarding a forecasted rise in the Ottawa River’s water levels over the coming days.

According to hydrological forecasts, a combination of expected rainfall, milder temperatures, and rapid snowmelt across much of the watershed will lead to increased water levels and flow rates, particularly between Pembroke and the Montreal area.

Authorities warn that minor flooding may occur in low-lying areas, especially in locations typically affected during spring floods, such as certain trails and recreational areas near the water.

The municipalities say they are in preparedness mode and are closely monitoring the situation, with response teams ready to intervene if conditions worsen. Riverfront residents are advised to secure any objects that could be carried away by the current, avoid at-risk areas, and stay informed through municipal updates.

For the Coulonge River, flow is expected to reach around 400 m³/s by Friday, April 18th, which corresponds to a “watch” threshold. Current flow is approximately 187 m³/s, while the minor flood threshold is set at 550 m³/s.

No major flooding is currently expected, but authorities emphasize the importance of remaining vigilant and following real-time updates from official sources.

For more information, visit the Ottawa River website and the Quebec Ministry of Public Security website.