Rideau Canal - Water Level Management Update – April 17, 2025

Rideau Canal - Water Level Management Update – April 17, 2025

Parks Canada's water management team continues to actively monitor water levels, flows, and weather forecasts across the Rideau Canal National Historic Site. These factors are used to determine dam operations on a daily basis for the Rideau Canal National Historic Site.

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 provides background information on water management practices, updates on water management, 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

The five-day weather forecast predicts a series of low-pressure systems, with total rainfall amounts ranging from 20–30 mm. Daytime temperatures are expected to rise significantly and remain above the freezing mark overnight.

Outlook

Flows on the Upper Tay River appear to have crested and are now receding. Inflows are decreasing across the system, resulting in lower water levels. Seasonal operations are underway throughout the waterway, and the public should expect significant fluctuations over the coming weeks as preparations for the navigation season progress.

The Rideau Water Management team will continue to actively monitor changing conditions. Any watershed conditions updates will be issued by your Conservation Authority.

Cataraqui River

All lakes have peaked and appear to be declining. Forecasted rainfall may level or increase flows again.

Tay River

Water levels on Bobs Lake and Christie Lake have peaked and are declining, and inflows in the area are also decreasing. The Rideau Water Management team is closely monitoring conditions in this region. Flows on the Lower Tay River continue to decrease. Significant rainfall may stabilize or increase flows again.

Rideau River

Water levels on Big Rideau Lake, Upper Rideau Lake, and Wolfe Lake are currently receding. Flows are declining between Smiths Falls and Hogs Back. Forecasted rainfall may level or increase flows again.