Donate to INRS.
Go to home

Institut national de la recherche scientifique
Donate to INRS.
Back to top

Our monthly science question: How can we better prepare for flooding?

April 7, 2026

( Update : April 7, 2026 )

Read the article optimized for mobile devices

How can we better prepare for flooding? Our monthly science question: a series that demystifies complex topics with simple, effective answers.

Why are floods so common in Quebec? In Quebec, like in many northern regions where large amounts of snow accumulate, flooding is a recurring issue. Each season brings its own triggers: spring snowmelt, heavy rainfall and flash floods in summer and fall, and ice jams in winter. All these weather‑related phenomena can directly and sometimes dramatically increase flood risk.

Modelling to better anticipate floods To better understand and anticipate these risks, which are becoming more pronounced with climate change, scientists develop different forecasting and analysis tools. That’s exactly the expertise of Professor Alain N. Rousseau at the Institut national de la recherche scientifique (INRS)! As an engineer specializing in hydrological modelling, based at the INRS Eau Terre Environnement Research Centre, he and his team create software tools to predict, manage, and analyze flooding hazards.

Two approaches, two perspectives, countless insights Professor Rousseau’s work relies on two key complementary methods: Hydrological forecasting: This method uses weather forecasts as inputs to a mathematical model that predicts river flow rates and identifies potential flood risks. Floodplain mapping: Using hydraulic modelling, this approach defines the areas most likely to flood and helps guide land‑use planning decisions.

When methods intersect, preparedness strengthens By combining the results of both approaches, scientists can produce detailed flood‑hazard maps that show not just where flooding may occur, but also how severe it could be under different rainfall and river‑flow forecasts. These maps support public safety authorities in planning and implementing appropriate emergency measures based on local realities.

Supporting municipalities on the ground A concrete example: Professor Rousseau, along with Étienne Foulon (engineer‑in‑training and research associate at INRS) and Michel Leclerc (engineer and INRS associate professor, retired since 2007), recently helped the regional county municipalities (RCM) of Vaudreuil‑Soulanges and Argenteuil update their flood‑zone maps. These maps will help municipalities identify vulnerable sectors, strengthen local resilience, and advise residents on preventive measures for their homes. Highlighting the importance of this work for public safety, the project is funded by the Quebec Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, supporting efforts to prepare for the unpredictable.

Alain N. Rousseau
Alain N. Rousseau

This article is on the thematic teport of

Our monthly science question

Read more on the subject

Our monthly science question: What Is Canada’s Most Powerful Laser Used For? 
Our monthly science question: What Is Canada’s Most Powerful Laser Used For? 
Our monthly science question: Could we eat locally grown food all winter in Québec?
Our monthly science question: Could we eat locally grown food all winter in Québec?
Our monthly science question : How can we detect the effects of climate change in Northern Québec?
Our monthly science question : How can we detect the effects of climate change in Northern Québec?
See all articles on the thematic report
Back to thematics reports