The Ministry of Natural Resources – Pembroke District issues Flood Outlook for Renfrew County

The Ministry of Natural Resources – Pembroke District is advising area residents that a 
Watershed Conditions Statement - Flood Outlook is in effect for inland areas of Renfrew 
County until Friday, April 17, 2026.  

Recent warm weather 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. 

Although no widespread flooding is expected at this time, water levels and flow in the inland 
areas of Renfrew County will increase, and flooding in low-lying areas and areas with poor 
drainage is possible. 

Residents in flood-prone areas are encouraged to closely follow changing conditions and to 
take necessary measures and exercise caution around rivers and streams. Please alert and 
monitor any children under your care to possible dangers and supervise their activities. 
The ministry is closely monitoring the weather and developing watershed conditions. 
Further updates will be issued as appropriate.  

TECHNICAL INFORMATION: 

Description of Weather System: 
A series of low-pressure systems are forecast to move across the province over the next 5 
days. 15 to 50 mm of widespread rainfall is forecast for the southern region of the province.  
Daytime temperatures are consistently between 0 to 15 degrees. Nighttime temperatures 
are between 0 to -5 degrees.  

Description of Current Conditions: 
The MNR continues to closely monitor local lakes, rivers and weather conditions. 
Water levels and flows are fairly stable inland and along the Ottawa River Upstream of 
Pembroke. Levels and flows are expected to increase due to spring runoff and the 
forecasted precipitation. Levels are expected to rise over the next few days in all locations.  
Minor flooding in low-lying areas can be 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. 

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.