Gatineau WatershedPrecipitation in the Gatineau Watershed can vary as the watershed crosses three different climatic zones. however, the average rain fall is between 80 and 100cm, and the average snowfall is between 200 and 25cm.

Click on the precipitation map to explore some of the meteorological stations in the watershed, where the Minitry of Sustainable Development, Environment and Parks collects information on precipitation (rain and snow).

Adapted from the the Gatineau River Watershed Committee's Gatineau River Watershed Portrait

Click here - GatineauHistorically, the Gatineau River is recognized as a river that has seen strong flooding. There are two periods of flooding: a large spring flood and a more modest flood in the fall.

Gatineau WatershedThere are few problems with drought in Gatineau as the watershed is mostly forested, and there is relatively little agriculture.

It is predicted that climate change may result in changes to the frequency of rainfall events which could cause more periods of drought.

Click here - GatineauThe river has steep embankments with clay surfaces that are more vulnerable to erosion. These talus screes are mainly spread out in the northern part of the study area and are also found on the river’s west bank. The east bank contains clay debris deposited on the land surface under Ferrellton and sandy loams in Wakefield and Burnett.

Click here - GatineauHydroelectric Plants

Gatineau River is home to four power plants: Mercier (under construction), Paugan, Chelsea and Rapides-Farmers. The plants go back to the beginning of the twentieth century, when they were used to produce energy: in those days, the plants alone generated nearly 450000 kW. Although they were constructed 75 years ago, they still operate today and belong to Hydro-Québec. The total electricity production amounts to 1.5 TWh/yr. This represents a considerable leap owing to the rebuilding of some plants and the construction of the Mercier plant, whose generating capacity will reach 50 MW as of June 2007.

Get involved in one of the many events taking place in the Gatineau Watershed! Find more information about water flow activities happening in the Gatineau watershed.

Learn about volunteer opportunities at the H2O Chelsea website