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Water levels could increase between Mattawa, Ont. and Pembroke, Ont., according to Monday’s update from the Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board.With rain forecasted in the coming weeks, the planning board warns a second flood peak remains possible from Pembroke to the Montreal region.Minor flood levels are expected to persist in some flood-prone areas between Britannia and Hawkesbury, says conservation authorities.
Water levels and flows on the Ottawa River are rising slowly from Mattawa, Ont., to Pembroke, according to Monday’s update from the river’s planning board.
While levels are stable or slightly declining between Lake Coulonge and Carillon, levels in Mattawa may exceed major flood levels over the next few days, the Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board said.
The board’s latest river conditions update also mentions rain in the forecast over the next few days. That could lead to water levels and flows increasing gradually in all locations over the next few days.
“In the coming weeks, a second flood peak remains possible from Pembroke to the Montreal region, as well as the possibility of levels at Mattawa exceeding major flood levels for the first time,” according to the board.
Minor flood levels persist between Britannia and Hawkesbury
The Mississippi Valley and South Nation conservation authorities said from Arnprior to Britannia there is the potential for major flood levels to be exceeded by the weekend.
From Britannia to Hawkesbury, minor flood levels are expected to persist in some flood-prone areas, with major flood levels being exceeded in some areas by the weekend.
Water levels are currently expected to remain well below historical flood levels on the main stem of the Ottawa River, they said.
There was still fairly deep snow in the Abitibi area of the upper Ottawa River on April 26, 2026. (Olivier Plante/Radio-Canada)What you need to know
In Ottawa, there were 15 locations as of Monday morning where residents could pick up sand and sandbags.
The city keeps an updated list of road and pathway closures and an interactive map.
The City of Gatineau also has an interactive road closure map that lays out sandbag stations and waste drop-off locations in the hardest-hit areas.
Several dozen roads have been affected by flooding, some of which are only accessible by boat. City officials have suggested some roads could soon be reopened to local traffic.
A flood relief centre is open at the Centre sportif de Gatineau at 850 boul. de la Gappe from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.
The Ecolos ferry between Clarence-Rockland, Ont., and Thurso, Que., remains closed and there are restrictions on the Bourbonnais ferry between Gatineau’s Masson-Angers area and Cumberland in east Ottawa.
People living in communities outside Ottawa-Gatineau can check their municipality’s website for the latest on flooding in their area.
Aside from the Ottawa River, the Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority has a flood warning in place for Dalhousie Lake and flood-prone areas of the Mississippi River.
People should take precautions like checking sump pumps and moving valuables from basements, the authority said.
Quebec says there is moderate flooding, which means there are risks of people having to leave their homes and sewer backups, on the Petite Nation River around Ripon.