High Water
2019 May 01
The local rivers are running high. Both the Ottawa and the Petawawa are above or near record levels.
The control dam at Rapides des Joachims is essentially wide open even though the head pond is perhaps six feet below summer levels. They need the capacity to catch the massive outflows expected from central Quebec that are still to come.
For a while, the Petawawa River was threatening the bridge in the Town of Petawawa, prompting its closing. However, by dumping large quantities of blast rock down the shore embankment, they have stopped the shore erosion and the bridge has reopened.
(photo by Bob: 2019-04-30 - explore)
The Dumoine Road Bridge at Rapides des Joachims (da Swisha). The flow here is from the control dam. (April 30)
(photo by Bob: 2019-04-30 - explore)
Looking downstream from the Dumoine Road Bridge with da Swisha barely visible in the background. I think, but I'm not certain, that the hill in the extreme distance is Mount Martin opposite Deep River.
(photo by Bob: 2019-04-30 - explore)
In the summer, this is placid water; there is essentially no flow. All of the river is flowing through the hydro dam. Water flowing in this channel is "wasted".
(photo by Bob: 2019-05-01 - explore)
The Petawawa River at the Hwy. 17 Bridge. (May 01)
(photo by Bob: 2019-05-01 - explore)
The local white-water guys have painted river depth markings on the near pier. Not much use at these levels.
(photo by Bob: 2019-05-01 - explore)
Looking upstream from the bridge.
(photo by Bob: 2019-05-01 - explore)
(photo by Bob: 2019-05-01 - explore)
(photo by Bob: 2019-05-01 - explore)
Lovers Rapids at Centennial Park in Petawawa. The park is closed; this is as close as we could legally get. The horizontal feature just below center is a stone retaining wall (the catwalk) that diverts the river away from the park. The "hump" in the middle of the river at the top is bedrock that people sunbathe on in summer. The main channel, with the big rooster tail at lower water levels, is on the near side of that outcrop with less flow on the far side.
(photo by Bob: 2019-05-01 - explore)
Point Rapids (Golf Course Rapids). This is a fun little beginners play rapids in the summer.
Dumoine Road Bridge Dumoine Road Bridge (Ottawa River) Hwy 17 (Petawawa River) Lovers (Petawawa River) Point Rapids (Petawawa River)