Ottawa River River Levels

Total streamflow across the Ottawa River was last observed at 613 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 1,216 acre-ft of water today; about 77% of normal. Average streamflow for this time of year is 801 cfs, with recent peaks last observed on 2024-04-03 when daily discharge volume was observed at 9,810 cfs.

Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the Ottawa River At Lima Oh reporting a streamflow rate of 613 cfs. This is also the highest stage along the Ottawa River, with a gauge stage of 12.2 ft at this location. This river is monitored from 3 different streamgauging stations along the Ottawa River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 841 ft, the Ottawa River At Lima Oh.

The river has been an important transportation route for Indigenous peoples for thousands of years and played a crucial role in the fur trade. During the 19th and 20th centuries, the river powered many sawmills, paper mills, and other industries. The river is also used for hydroelectric power generation, with many dams and reservoirs located along its course, including the Carillon and Des Joachims dams. Additionally, the Ottawa River is a popular destination for recreational activities such as boating, fishing, and swimming, and is home to numerous parks and conservation areas. The river also supports agriculture, particularly in its watershed in eastern Ontario, where many farms rely on the river for irrigation.