MVCA Lowers Flood Warning to Flood Watch – April 28, 2026

From the Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority

A Flood Watch Statement indicates that flooding is possible in specific watercourses or municipalities. Municipalities, emergency services and individual landowners in flood prone areas should prepare.

This Flood Watch is an update to the Flood Warning for the Mississippi River Watershed issued on April 22, 2026.

Weather forecast

Cooler conditions are expected late this week, with temperatures trending back to seasonal norms early next week. A weather system on Wednesday may bring 15–35 mm of rainfall, though total precipitation across the region over the next seven days is forecast to stay below 50 mm.

Watershed conditions

Water levels and flows remain high across the watershed.

Seasonally elevated water levels continue along the Mississippi River as water moves through the system. Water levels on Dalhousie Lake have begun to recede and have dropped below the 1:10 year flood threshold (157.50 masl), currently reaching 157.40 masl. Levels could rise again this week; however, the extent of any increase will depend on actual precipitation. Residents in flood prone or low-lying areas historically susceptible to flooding should maintain the necessary precautions to protect their property.

Upper lakes (Mazinaw, Little Marble, Marble, Dalhousie, and Mississagagon) remain in seasonal flood conditions. Water levels have peaked and continue to gradually recede this week.

Major tributaries (Clyde River, Fall River, and Indian River) have peaked and levels and flows along these systems are receding towards seasonal levels.

Risks

Rivers and streams are experiencing higher water levels, fast flowing water and slippery or unstable banks. Roads, driveways, and properties in flood-prone areas could be impacted.

Actions

Residents are reminded to stay off all water bodies due to high flows and slippery conditions. Parents are encouraged to remind children about these dangers and provide appropriate supervision.

Residents in flood prone areas are advised to maintain close watch on water levels and flows and take the necessary precautions to protect their property by:

• Ensuring sump pumps are clear, in good working condition and have a backwater valve.
• Having a portable generator and backup pump available.
• Ensuring downspouts are clear and the outlet is at least 3 metres from any structure.
• Removing or securing items that might float away if flows increase.
• Removing valuable items from basements or lower floors that could be subject to flooding.
• Keeping emergency phone numbers handy.
• Familiarizing yourself with your municipality’s emergency preparedness plan: Mississippi Mills Emergency Response Plan.

Duration

This message is in effect until May 5, 2026 or until an update has been issued.

For more information

Daily water levels and flows are available on the MVCA website at www.mvc.on.ca/water-levels. For more information, contact MVCA Water Management at 613-253-0006 ext. 248 or water-management@mvc.on.ca.