Flood watch issued for Ottawa River between Pembroke, Britannia Beach

Floodwaters from the Ottawa River nearly cover a road sign in Waterfront Park in Pembroke, Ont., Saturday, May 11, 2019. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang)

A flood watch has been issued for areas along the Ottawa River, warning of the possibility of minor flooding between Pembroke and Britannia Beach this week.

A news release from Ontario’s Ministry of Natural Resources issued Tuesday says flooding in low-lying areas “can be expected” and areas currently experiencing high water levels or flooding can expect those conditions to continue.

“Residents that have been affected by high water and flow conditions in the past, should take necessary action to protect/secure any vulnerable property in proximity to rivers and lakes,” the ministry said.

Residents should closely monitor developing conditions and regularly check for updated messages, the ministry said.

The flood watch is in effect until April 29.

Recent rainfall over the Easter long weekend and warmer temperatures has melted most of the remaining snow locally, though remnants of the snowpack in the northern portion of the Ottawa River remain.

“Levels and flows are expected to increase due to spring runoff from the central and northern parts of the basin. Levels are expected to rise over the next few days in all locations. The snowpack melt in the northern part of the basin is expected to continue over the next week,” the ministry says.

The Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board says low-lying areas such as recreational trails near water are locations that regularly flood during the spring freshet period. The board says it remains too early to predict the magnitude and timing of the peak in the main stem of the Ottawa River.

The planning board’s river conditions map shows water levels are about normal for this time of year from Mattawa to Montreal.

More rain is expected in the forecast in the coming days, with isolated showers expected in Ottawa this week. Temperatures are expected to remain above freezing.