Rideau Canal - Water Level Management Update – December 30, 2024

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

Over the past 24 hours the Rideau Canal has received total rain amounts ranging from 5-15 mm. The 5 days forecast for this week suggests a precipitation event of 16 to 33 mm combined with temperatures near zero lasting for next 3 days. The warm spell is expected to be followed by more seasonal temperatures by January 3, 2025.

Outlook

Precipitation and warm temperatures will result in snowmelt and runoff and thus impact the watershed response. The current forecast indicates that water levels and outflows will likely increase at all locations.
The Rideau Canal Water Management team will be active, and the changing conditions will be closely monitored. Any watershed conditions updates will be released by your Conservation Authority.

Cataraqui River

Most lake levels are near average for this time of year and increasing after the recent weather event. Water levels are anticipated to increase as a result of the rainfall and snow melt.

Tay River

Bobs Lake and Christie Lake levels are below average for this time of year. Levels on Bobs Lake and Christie Lake are expected to increase. Flows on the Lower Tay River near Perth are below average and increasing.

Rideau River

Upper Rideau Lake is above average, and Big Rideau Lakes levels are below average for this time of the year. Wolfe Lake levels are above average, and outflows are maximized. The river reaches between Smiths Falls and Hogs Back are currently at seasonal levels.

General Inquiries Administrator
Rideau Canal National Historic Site
Parks Canada / Government of Canada
34 Beckwith Street, South, Smiths Falls ON  K7A 2A8
rideau@pc.gc.ca / www.parks.canada.ca/rideau