With the rain across the region over the weekend, authorities expect the levels and flows of the Ottawa River to rise over the coming days. The latest update from the Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board, issued on April 30, notes that the precipitation will raise levels above those seen in previous weeks.

"Principle reservoirs are being managed to reduce river flows in downstream areas ... Levels in the Pembroke area are expected to approach the major flooding threshold over the coming days," the statement reads. "Levels on Lake Coulonge are already above the major flooding threshold and are expected to rise higher over the coming days. Chats Lake and Lake Deschenes levels are expected to exceed their major flooding thresholds over the coming week."

Mansfield-et-Pontefract Mayor Sandra Armstrong gave CHIP 101.9 an update on the situation as it stood at the start of the week.

The Municipality of Mansfield issued a press release today (May 1), detailing the predicted levels in the area, compared with historic peaks during the 2017 and 2019 floods:

Level May 1: 108.04 m
Level reached April 20: 108.13 m
Level reached in 2017 : 108.52 m
Level reached in 2019 : 109.17 m
Level predicted for Wednesday May 3:108.40 m

Armstrong noted that the levels on the Coulonge River were predicted to hit a second peak as well, but the flows were much less than those seen in April. She added that several roads were already flooded and more would be threatened as the levels rise. She advised residents to stay away from these areas and to check on their neighbours in vulnerable areas. Sandbags are currently available at the municipal sand pit located at 32 chemin du Lac de la Truite, and stockpiles of sand and bags have been placed in the Davidson and La Passe sectors for residents.

The municipality can be reached at 819-683-2944.

The full interview with Armstrong is available below: