Flood Alert: Ottawa River Expected to Peak tonight/Tuesday

By Katie Williams

Published on:

Flood Alert: Ottawa River Expected to Peak tonight/Tuesday

The Ottawa River is reaching critical levels, with a major flood peak expected to hit tonight or tomorrow (Tuesday, April 21). Current forecasts suggest water levels in many areas will surpass the highs seen during the 2023 floods.

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Peak Level Forecasts by Location

LocationExpected PeakVs. 2025 Levels
Gatineau (Hull)44.15 m+ 60 cm
Thurso42.8 m+ 55 cm
Britannia / Lake Deschenes60.15 m+ 40 cm
Chats Lake75.5 m+ 25 cm
Lac Coulonge108.4 m+ 25 cm
Pembroke113.0 m+ 15 cm

Key Regional Updates

Looking Ahead

While cooler temperatures and dry weather are expected for the rest of the week—which should help stabilize the river by Wednesday—officials remain cautious. A deep snowpack of up to 50 cm remains in the northern basin, meaning a second peak is possible if the weather turns warm or rainy later this month.

Safety Note: Stay clear of riverbanks, which may be unstable, and ensure your emergency kits and sump pumps are ready. For real-time data, visit the Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board website.