Rideau Valley Conservation officials are warning area residents that when the snow pack melts, they should be prepared to deal with the possibility of severe flooding.
"The more snow on the ground you have just prior to spring, the more likely you're going to have high flows and floods," Bruce Reid of the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority told CTV News.
Officials say water levels on all streams in the Rideau Valley are expected to be above average this spring.
They say the severity of flooding, however, will depend on mild temperatures and the amount of rainfall in the area.
Residents living in areas that are prone to flooding are being advised to take precautions in order to minimize property damage and safety risks.
"Take a look around your property and see what parts of it might be affected if the water does come up," Reid said.
The Conservation Authority is also warning municipalities to prepare to deal with the increased flood risk.
The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority monitors the density and height of the snow surrounding the Rideau watershed.
On Monday, the average snow depth measured about 55 centimetres, with an average water content of 154 millimetres.
This year's snow pack has the heaviest and deepest mid-March measurement in 32 years.
Flooding has already started in some parts of the region.
The Boulevard du Mont-Bleu exit ramp off Highway 5 in Gatineau was closed for about an hour Wednesday afternoon due to flooding.
High-risk areas include:
- Areas near Brewer, Windsor, Brantwood and Strathcona Parks in Ottawa
- Rural areas including the village of Kars, James Island, Lorne Bridge Road
- Becketts Landing, Rideau Glen and the Arcand, Little Chesterville and Mapleshores developments in North Grenville Township
- Areas between Smiths Falls and Poonamalie Lake
- Richmond Village and areas near Twin Elm Bridge
- Village of North Gower
- Areas near the Tay River in and around Perth
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