‘Ottawa’ Coming Thaw Could Lead to Dangerous Water Conditions, Conservation Authority Warns
The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority is warning of unsafe conditions along local water courses as the temperatures rise above freezing and the snow begins to melt over the next few days.
The risk is greatest in areas south and west of Ottawa where there is less snow on the ground to absorb the meltwater, the authority says.
“In all cases, the ice cover can be expected to become unstable to various extents with weakening ice and water on the surface. Ditches and smaller streams may begin flowing and shifting ice could cause blockages at road crossings with localized road flooding possible,” the authority said.
Children, in particular, should be warned about the danger of playing in and around streams and ditches during the runoff, the authority says.
Daytime highs will reach 5C on Saturday and 8 on Sunday and will be in the 3 to 7 range into next week, with rain predicted on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Normal highs for this time of year are around -4.
The RCVA will continue to monitor and advise the public as needed.