Spring freshets are recurring phenomena that generally do not result in significant flooding. Every year, Gatineau carefully monitors the spring freshet. Municipal departments are at the ready and mechanisms are in place to anticipate and rapidly intervene as necessary.
Everyone is responsible for their own safety. Each of you must take the initial steps for ensuring you own safety and that of your family, and for protecting your own property. It is recommended that you have an emergency kit at the ready at all times that contains the essential items each family member needs to make it through at least the first 72 hours.
Update of May 12, 2023 at 15:07 – Flood update: Regular and special collections, re-opening of all streets to local traffic and closure of the relief centre for flood victims
All streets are now open to local traffic, with the exception of heavy vehicles. In addition, Gatineau will collect construction, demolition and renovation materials as part of a special collection, along with sandbags.
Update of May 11, 2023 at 23:59 – Information evening of May 11, 2023
Update of May 11, 2023 at 15:38 – Flood update for May 11
Water levels are still dropping, and municipal crews are continuing preparations for the restoration. Gatineau reminds shoreline property owners to remain vigilant and to keep their protective barriers in place until further notice.
Update of May 10, 2023 at 16:43 – Flood update: Flood waters officially receding, and several streets reopening to local traffic
The Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board (ORRPB) has confirmed that flood waters are officially receding and will continue to do so for several more days. Water levels will drop by 38 cm over the next four days. Gatineau reminds shoreline property owners to remain vigilant and to keep protective barriers in place until further notice.
Update of May 9, 2023 at 16:02 – Flood update: Water levels are dropping and an information evening will take place for flood victims this Thursday
Water levels should drop 30 to 40 cm over the next few days according to Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board (ORRPB) projections. That being said, Gatineau reminds everyone that it is important to remain vigilant and to keep protective barriers in place until further notice. In view of the water's rather rapid withdrawal, an information evening will be held for flood victims this Thursday, May 11, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the centre sportif de Gatineau (850 boulevard de la Gappe).
Update of May 9, 2023 at 15:00 – Point de presse - État de situation sur les inondations
Update of May 8, 2023 at 16:31 – Flood update: Gatineau is being proactive and getting preparations underway for restoration
Gatineau is starting preparations for a gradual restoration that could begin in the next few days. That being said, we must be careful, and shoreline property owners must remain vigilant and keep all protective walls in place until further notice. In addition, Gatineau is doing everything it can to reopen streets as soon as conditions allow to do so safely. Crews are at the ready and actively engaged in the process.
Update of May 8, 2023 at 15:30 – Point de presse - État de situation sur les inondations
Update of May 7, 2023 at 13:03 – Flood update: Slight decrease in water levels, but shoreline property owners should remain vigilant
Although the trend in water levels suggest that these will decrease very shortly, residents should nonetheless remain vigilant and leave all their protections in place. Even though the situation is encouraging, it still remains precarious. Water levels will remain high for another week or two, and could rise again in the event of heavy rainfall.
Update of May 6, 2023 at 13:01 – Flood update: Take advantage of the fine weather, but remain prudent
While monitoring the situation, Gatineau has noticed that since last night, water levels have been stabilizing, as anticipated. The slow and gradual decrease should start early next week. All shoreline property owners must remain vigilant and leave the protections they installed in place because the situation continues to remain precarious.
Update of May 5, 2023 at 15:28 – Flood update: Water levels will peak late this evening, and a glimmer of hope shines heading into the weekend
Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board (ORRPB) projections are holding in terms of water levels peaking by late this evening. After that, levels should stabilize for several days before slowly and gradually dropping starting early next week. Sunny and dry weather for the next seven days makes for a promising outlook. More precise projections should be available by the middle of the coming week, and Gatineau will keep you informed about the latest updates.
Update of May 5, 2023 at 15:15 – Point de presse - État de situation sur les inondations
Update of May 4, 2023 at 17:52 – Flood update: Water levels continue to rise slowly - 7 to 12 cm yet to come
In monitoring water levels, Gatineau has noted that they are rising more slowly, and should peak by tomorrow, after which they will stabilize for several days before slowly and gradually falling. The weather forecast for the next few days is promising.
Update of May 4, 2023 at 15:00 – Point de presse - État de situation sur les inondations
Update of May 3, 2023 at 16:40 – Flood update: rising water levels complicating movement in shoreline areas
In addition to its increasing coverage of pavements, water is leading to road closures, which is complicating movement in shoreline areas. Since yesterday, eastbound access to and exit from autoroute 50 is closed at rue Saint-Louis.
Update of May 3, 2023 at 15:00 – Point de presse - État de situation sur les inondations
Update of May 2, 2023 at 16:30 – Flood update: relief centre opened for flood victims
According to the latest updates from the Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board (ORRPB), water levels are still rising, and should be up to 30 cm higher by the end of the week before stabilizing. Levels could remain there for several days.
Update of May 2, 2023 at 15:00 – Point de presse - État de situation sur les inondations
Update of May 1, 2023 at 19:31 – Increasing flood risks along the Ottawa River (Mattawa to the Montreal region)
The Ottawa River Regulating Committee warns that levels and flows along the main stem of the Ottawa River are increasing in response to significant rainfall received over the last few days. Minor flood levels are occurring in multiple locations between Mattawa and the Montreal region. Major flood levels are expected to be exceeded in flood prone areas over the next few days. Areas of primary concern are identified and described in more detail in the press release. Water levels are currently expected to remain 45 cm to 1 meter below historical flood levels of 2019 on the main stem of the Ottawa River.
Update of May 1, 2023 at 16:09 – Flood update: as water levels rise, shoreline property owners should remain vigilant
According to the latest updates from the Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board (ORRPB), the large amount of rainfall has surpassed last week's projections. The rapid increase in water levels should stabilize over the next few hours, and will rise gradually before peaking near the end of the week. However, levels will remain high for several days, albeit below the historical levels of 2017 and 2019. It should be noted that the second freshet has officially begun, and should start to slowly abate by next week.
Update of May 1, 2023 at 15:00 – Point de presse - État de situation sur les inondations
Update of April 28, 2023 at 17:21 – Update on flood risks along the Ottawa River (Mattawa to the Montreal region)
The Ottawa River Regulating Committee warns that levels and flows along the main stem of the Ottawa River will remain high and are susceptible to further rise over the coming week in all locations due to significant rainfall that is forecast for this weekend. Minor flood levels will likely be exceeded in multiple locations between Mattawa and the Montreal region. Major flood levels may be exceeded in flood prone areas, depending on the amount and location of the received precipitation. Areas of primary concern are identified and described in more detail in the bulletin. Water levels are currently expected to remain well below historical flood levels of 2019 on the main stem of the Ottawa River.
Water levels are currently holding steady and dropping slightly. However, given the significant amount of rainfall expected between Saturday and next Tuesday, Gatineau remains on alert and is continuing to closely monitor the situation. According to Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board (ORRPB) projections, water levels could rise and reach last week's peak, possibly even surpassing it around the middle of next week. Gatineau will be able to provide more precisions early next week, and will update residents.
Update of April 27, 2023 at 13:35 – Flood update
Water levels are holding steady and should continue to do so until the weekend. However, several tens of millimetres of rain are expected between Saturday and Tuesday, which could cause water levels to rise early next week. Gatineau reminds shoreline property owners to keep the protections they have installed in place and to remain vigilant. Residents will be updated as the situation evolves.
Update of April 26, 2023 at 10:38 – Flood update
Water levels are holding steady and should continue to do so until the weekend. However, several tens of millimetres of rain are expected between Saturday and Tuesday, which could cause water levels to rise early next week. Gatineau reminds shoreline property owners to keep the protections they have installed in place and to remain vigilant. Residents will be updated as the situation evolves.
Update of April 26, 2023 at 10:04 – Mêlée de presse du 26 avril 2023 - Comité exécutif
Update of April 25, 2023 at 14:15 – Flood update: water levels should remain stable until Friday
According to the latest updates from the Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board (ORRPB), water levels should remain steady or drop slightly over the next few days.
Update of April 24, 2023 at 11:45 – Flood update: Gatineau not letting its guard down
According to the latest information from the Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board (ORRPB), water levels should remain steady or drop slightly over the next few days. The last couple of days' rainfall has brought additional volumes from the north, slowing the drop in water levels in Gatineau.
Update of April 23, 2023 at 12:32 – Flood update: encouraging news, but too soon to let our guard down
The first spring freshet peak was reached on April 22. Although water levels have registered a slight drop, they are expected to rise starting on Monday because of the rain that has fallen and is expected, as well as the melting snow farther north. These could bring water levels back to around last Friday's levels.
Update of April 22, 2023 at 10:40 – Flood update: water levels stabilizing
Water levels have been stabilizing since yesterday evening as expected. However, according to the Commission de planification de la régularisation de la rivière des Outaouais (CPRRO), precipitations expected as of Monday could cause water levels to rise in places. Nonetheless, levels should remain well below historical flood levels in all sectors.
Update of April 21, 2023 at 15:48 – Flood update: with the weekend just ahead of us, the situation remains precarious
Projections by the Commission de planification de la régularisation de la rivière des Outaouais (CPRRO) remain unchanged since yesterday in regard to the first freshet peaking tonight, which in fact has been confirmed by Gatineau's indicators.
Update of April 21, 2023 at 09:57 – Crue printanière et inondations : La STO est prête à mettre l'épaule à la roue
En cette crue printanière et à l'aube de possibles inondations, la Société de transport de l'Outaouais (STO) est déjà engagée afin d'épauler la Ville de Gatineau, les premiers répondants, les équipes sur le terrain et notre collectivité.
Update of April 20, 2023 at 16:37 – Flood update: water level projections down
According to the Ottawa River Regulation Planning Commission (ORRPPC), the levels will stabilize by tomorrow evening and allow for a downward revision of potentially affected residences by Friday. Although the data is favourable, the City is reminding residents to remain vigilant by leaving all protective measures in place. Once the peak levels are reached, they could last for one to two weeks.
Update of April 20, 2023 at 15:40 – Point de presse du 20 avril 2023 - Période de questions
Update of April 20, 2023 at 12:27 – Point de presse - État de situation sur les inondations
Update of April 19, 2023 at 17:25 – Flood update
Water levels continue to rise, at the rate of approximately one centimetre hourly. Projections remain unchanged. Crews continue to prepare and monitor developments in the field.
Update of April 19, 2023 at 11:42 – Conseils et recommandations de la Direction de santé publique de l'Outaouais – Que faire avant une inondation?
En prévision de la hausse des niveaux d'eau prévue dans les prochains jours, la Direction de santé publique du Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux (CISSS) de l'Outaouais tient à rappeler aux citoyens les mesures de précaution à prendre pour se préparer aux inondations.
Update of April 19, 2023 at 10:46 – Point de presse du 19 avril 2023 - Mise à jour - Crue printanière
Update of April 19, 2023 at 09:30 – Comité exécutif du 19 avril 2023 - État de situation
Update of April 18, 2023 at 16:18 – Flood update: rising water levels
Water levels are still rising, but not as fast as expected. Since 5:00 p.m. yesterday, the City has noticed an increase in water levels of 16 cm for the Ottawa River and 6 cm for the Gatineau River. This represents an increase of 1 cm per hour. The peak of the first spring freshet is expected to occur possibly between Wednesday and Friday and levels are expected to remain high for several days. The City estimates that approximately 1,049 properties will be affected by water and 254 buildings are at risk of flooding.
Update of April 18, 2023 at 15:00 – Point de presse - Mise à jour sur la crue printanière
Update of April 17, 2023 at 18:45 – Expecting major flooding on the Ottawa River
The Ottawa River Regulating Committee warns that levels and flows along the Ottawa River continue to rise rapidly due to on-going snowmelt combined with rain runoff in the central and southern portions of the basin.
Update of April 17, 2023 at 17:39 – Water levels expected to rise: Ville de Gatineau asks residents to prepare for flooding in certain sectors
For the past few weeks, Gatineau has been monitoring water levels in the rivers and adapting its actions based on developments. Although Gatineau's predictions were optimistic last week, the situation has changed quickly due to the rapidly melting snow caused by higher than expected temperatures, compounded by today's and coming rainfall. Based on the latest available information, some houses may flood by Friday.
Update of April 17, 2023 at 15:00 – Point de presse - Mise à jour sur la crue printanière
Update of April 14, 2023 at 18:24 – Gatineau closely follows water levels
The City of Gatineau is maintaining an enhanced spring flood watch due to warmer temperatures, rapid snowmelt and forecasted rainfall. As a result, Gatineau expects to reach minor flood levels as early as Monday, April 17, in the Gatineau area.
Update of April 14, 2023 at 15:57 – Expecting minor flooding on the Ottawa River
The Ottawa River Regulating Committee cautions that levels and flows along the Ottawa River continue to rise due to on-going snowmelt in the central and southern portions of the basin.
Update of April 11, 2023 at 13:15 – Point de presse - Bilan pluie verglaçante et mise à jour crue printanière
Update of April 7, 2023 at 12:26 – Rising Ottawa River water levels
The Ottawa River Regulating Committee would like to inform watershed residents that levels and flows along the Ottawa River are expected to begin increasing over the next few days as a result of the onset of the spring freshet period in the Ottawa River basin.
Update of March 29, 2023 at 16:42 – Gatineau surveille de près les niveaux d'eau
Même si rien ne peut laisser présager d'inondations à l'heure actuelle, la Ville se prépare à la crue des eaux, comme chaque année. Ce sont les conditions printanières des prochaines semaines qui détermineront l'intensité de la crue. Pour l'instant, les niveaux d'eau dans les rivières des Outaouais et Gatineau se situent à la normale. Les niveaux de neige ainsi que le couvert neigeux pointent eux aussi à la normale.
Water levels may vary depending on the observation point. Water levels are provided in meters and are specific to the site indicated. Some forecasts are available on the Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board Web site.
Recognized for its quality of life, Gatineau is a city of 292,000 inhabitants. It is located on the north shore of the Ottawa River, and extends east and west of the Gatineau River.
