(North Bay May 8, 2023). A FLOOD WARNING continues for the Mattawa River subwatershed including the Town of Mattawa, according to the North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority (NBMCA). A FLOOD WATCH continues for the Lake Nipissing shoreline and for all other areas in the NBMCA watershed.
“The Ottawa River water level at Mattawa has decreased by around 40 cm since Wednesday, May 3. However, low-lying areas in and around the Town of Mattawa continue to be affected,” said Chitra Gowda, NBMCA CAO. “There is a potential for gradual water level decreases in both rivers in the next few days,” continued Gowda.
A Flood Warning continues for the Mattawa River subwatershed including the Town of Mattawa. Based on information from the Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board, the Ottawa River water levels at Mattawa are expected to remain above the threshold for minor flooding for the next several days. Outflows from reservoirs in the Abitibi-Timiskaming region, upstream of Mattawa, will continue around the same high volumes over the next few days. The Ottawa River water levels are managed by dams and reservoirs operated by provincial and federal governments. The Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board posts current data and forecasts on their website https://ottawariver.ca/
For comparison, when river-based flooding occurred at Mattawa in May 2019, the water level on the Ottawa River at Mattawa reached a maximum level that is 120 cm higher than the present level. Flows from the Otto Holden dam in May 2019 were around 30% greater at their maximum than present.
“A Flood Watch remains in effect for the Lake Nipissing shoreline area. The Lake Nipissing water level has increased by 15 cm since May 4,” said Angela Mills, NBMCA Flood Duty Officer. “The lake level is expected to increase further this week.” The water level on Lake Nipissing is regulated by dams operated by the federal government. Current water levels can be viewed by searching for the Station Name “Lake Nipissing” at the website https://wateroffice.ec.gc.ca/search/real_time_e.html
The Flood Watch for all other areas in the NBMCA watershed continues. Water levels and flows remain high in some local watercourses and lakes following the significant rainfall from April 29 to May 4. These local creeks and lakes are expected to remain high for the next few days. Warm, dry weather is forecasted through May 15 and might help to lower the water levels in the local creeks and rivers.
Residents, especially those in low-lying areas, are encouraged to monitor the conditions as they develop, and prepare accordingly. Shorelines of creeks and rivers will be very slippery at this time and, when combined with cold open water, pose a serious hazard. The public is encouraged to keep children and pets away from watercourses and shorelines. If you have a flood emergency, please contact your municipality. If you live in an unincorporated township, please contact the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry – North Bay District.
As part of the NBMCA Flood Forecasting and Warning Program, staff will continue to monitor weather and watershed conditions and update this message based on the changing weather/streamflow conditions. Staff remain in contact with municipalities and other partners as required.
The general public is advised of these messages through the www.nbmca.ca website with the flood status icon and a link to information about current conditions. NBMCA also circulates these messages to local media and social media, posting on Twitter (@theNBMCA), Facebook (@theNBMCA) and Instagram (nbmcainfo).
This message will be in effect until (or updated before) Friday May 12, 2023 at 4:00 pm.
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CONTACT:
Angela Mills, Duty Officer, cell: 705-497-4668
Chitra Gowda, CAO, cell: 705-477-0372