Flood Warning – Pembroke District

The Ministry of Natural Resources– Pembroke District is advising area residents that a Flood Warning is in effect for areas along the Ottawa River most noticeably from Pembroke to Arnprior until Friday, April 17, 2026 (if not updated/replaced)

Recent rainfall combined with warm temperatures has resulted in the melting of the snowpack and lake ice. This combined with forecasted precipitation and continued warm temperatures, will result in high water conditions as the freshet runoff moves through the system. This combined effect is causing the water levels and flows of the Ottawa River to rise significantly and may exceed flood levels in flood prone locations later this week. Water levels and flows upstream of Pembroke are expected to rise but remain below flood threshold levels at this time.

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 and closely monitor developing conditions and regularly check for updated messages.

The ministry is closely monitoring the weather and developing watershed conditions, further updates will be issued as appropriate.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Description of Weather System

Mild temperatures and rain are expected to continue over the next 2-week period. Air temperatures will remain consistently above freezing with consecutive days with daytime highs above 15°C forecast for this week.

Widespread rainfall is also anticipated, with total accumulations of approximately 30–60 mm over this period.

Description of Current Conditions

The MNR continues to closely monitor local lakes, rivers and weather conditions.

Levels and flows on the Ottawa River from Pembroke to Arnprior are expected to increase due to spring runoff from the central and northern parts of the basin, and the forecasted precipitation over the next few days. The snowpack melt in the northern part of the basin is expected to continue over the next week.

Flooding in low-lying areas is expected, and those areas currently experiencing high water levels or flooding can expect these conditions to continue. A close watch of local weather forecasts, special weather statements, and warnings is recommended

The Watershed Condition Statement – Flood Outlook for the remainder of Renfrew County remains in effect until April 17, 2026.

DEFINITIONS

• WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT – WATER SAFETY: indicates that high flows, melting ice or other factors could be dangerous for such users as boaters, anglers and swimmers but flooding is not expected.
• WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT – FLOOD OUTLOOK: gives early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts calling for heavy rain, snow melt, high winds or other conditions

• SHORELINE CONDITIONS STATEMENT – WATER SAFETY: indicates that along the Great Lakes shorelines high water, melting ice or other factors could be dangerous but flooding is not expected.
• SHORELINE CONDITIONS STATEMENT – FLOOD OUTLOOK: gives early notice of the potential for flooding along the Great Lakes shorelines based on weather and lake conditions, and water safety information.
• FLOOD WATCH: potential for flooding exists within specific watercourses and municipalities
• FLOOD WARNING: flooding is imminent or occurring within specific watercourses and municipalities.

LEARN MORE

• Surface Water Monitoring Centre public webpage ontario.ca/page/surface-water-monitoring-centre
• Environment Canada bulletins: weather.gc.ca
• A close watch on local conditions and weather forecasts from Environment and Climate Change Canada is recommended.

Aaron Foss, Pembroke District Office, 613-291-3613

ontario.ca/mnr