# @ottawaisnotboring on Instagram

- **Type:** Video
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DXfZWWYkuTN
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/66330385-ottawaisnotboring-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/90bb0f3fe3.jpg
- **Posted:** 2026-04-23T22:19:36.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Carla Salazar | Things to do in Ottawa | Blog for newcomers (@ottawaisnotboring) — https://gondola.cc/ottawaisnotboring

## Caption

Did you know what the spring freshet is? 🌊

Every spring, the spring freshet kicks in, a natural process that stirs up nutrients and resets the river for months of life ahead. It’s messy, yes, but it’s essential.

What drives it? A mix of melting snow, rainfall, and frozen ground that can’t absorb water. And here’s what most people don’t know: the Ottawa River watershed is massive, bigger than countries like England, Greece, and Cuba. So what you see in Ottawa-Gatineau is just a small piece of a much bigger system. There’s still snow melting up north, and it’s all making its way down.

The spring freshet is a vital reset for the Ottawa River, but it comes with real risks.

Low-lying areas and riverside trails can flood quickly, and water levels can rise fast. In years like 2017 and 2019, the river went beyond historical highs, causing serious damage and safety risks.

Bottom line: it’s natural, but it’s powerful. Stay aware, check updates, and don’t underestimate it.

Check out ottawariverkeeper.garderiviere for information and updates.

#ottawa #spring #flooding #ottawariver

## Stats

- **Views:** 46,864
- **Likes:** 1,261
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- **Comments:** 33

## Tags

ottawa, spring, flooding, ottawariver

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