Rideau Canal - Water Level Management Update – March 3, 2026

Rideau Canal - Water Level Management Update – March 3, 2026

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 weather forecast for this weekend is predicting a precipitation event of 30 mm, combined with positive temperatures approaching 10 degrees and near zero at night during the weekend and extending into next week. The amounts of forecasted rainfall are subject to change due to the nature of the upcoming event and the evolving forecast.

Outlook

Precipitation and warm temperatures will result in snowmelt and runoff, which will 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 below average for this time of year. Water levels are anticipated to increase as a result of the rainfall and snowmelt.

Tay River

Most lake levels are below average for this time of year. Water levels are anticipated to increase as a result of the rainfall and snowmelt.

Rideau River

Most lake levels are below average for this time of year. Water levels are anticipated to increase as a result of the rainfall and snowmelt.