Viewing River Flooding First Hand

Our region has had a lot of rain over the past few weeks. Stories of flooding are in the news.

Curious to see how high the water had become, Terry and I drove to Arnprior, a town upstream from Ottawa, where the powerful Madawaska River flows into the Ottawa River, which then flows our way.

In downtown Arnprior, we took a path along the Madawaska River, until the path ended... covered in water..

A blue heron stood a little further along the submerged path...

Trees and bushes, normally on the water's edge, were now covered with water.

A park bench was largely inundated.

Marina docks were floating in the water, the ticket booth partly submerged.

On the other side of the river, several large homes appeared to have a protective wall of orange and white sandbags between the river and the houses. Had they managed to keep the water at bay?

The heavy rain had subsided, but grey clouds still looked ominous. Would we be getting more rain? 

What's the situation along the Ottawa River? we wondered as we headed down to the park where the rivers join.

The water, looking unusually middy, had risen to almost the level of the lower parking area. Nearby, most of the sandy beach was underwater. Further along, trees were standing in water.

How long before the water levels to return to normal?

It is expected to crest in a day or two, Terry said, so things could get worse before they get better.

Heading home, I had to admit: This is one time I didn't mind our house not having a river view.