The City of Ottawa says there is no risk of major flooding in the capital region despite heavy snowfall this winter.

In a statement to city officials on March 13, Public Works Director Alain Gonthier said snow levels and snowpack water content in the Ottawa River basin remain within normal limits.

Spring floods (called “freshets”) on the Rideau and Ottawa rivers typically peak in March and April. In recent years, their impact has been moderate, affecting only a limited number of roads, parks, and riverfront areas. However, the city has already begun preventative measures, continuing to clear and break up ice along the Rideau River to prevent potential flooding.

The City of Ottawa says there is no risk of major flooding this spring, but encourages residents to be alert and to use the sandbag stations the city sets up each year to protect homes and properties from flooding.