A FLOOD WARNING remains in effect for the Lake Nipissing Shoreline, La Vase River downstream of Lakeshore Dr, Parks Creek, and the Mattawa River downstream of Hurdman Dam. The Watershed Conditions Statement- Flood Outlook for the remainder of the watershed has ended.
"Precipitation across the region has been minimal over the past week," said Angela Mills, NBMCA Flood Duty Officer. "Lake Nipissing at North Bay remains 14 cm above the maximum non-damage elevation. In Mattawa, water levels peaked at 6 cm above the major flood threshold of 154.8 m, though daily averages have since receded by 24 cm. Mattawa Island Conservation Area continues to be closed due to flooding."
Weather forecasts anticipate 15-20 mm of rain in the next five days, mostly on Saturday (May 9). Moderate winds are forecast to be predominantly from the west or southwest for the next five days.
Upstream flows on the Ottawa River, which directly impacts water level in the lower reaches of the Mattawa River, have begun to decrease and are forecast to continue decreasing by about 10 cm per day.
The water level of Lake Nipissing has stabilized, but conditions in North Bay and Callander may be influenced by wind effect. Public Services and Procurement Canada is forecasting water level on Lake Nipissing to remain stable for the next few days, however, this does not account for the potential impact of winds and the watershed is vulnerable to future precipitation events. The Parks Creek Backflood Control Structure is operational, keeping water levels lowered in the Parks Creek watershed. Eva Wardlaw Conservation Area is closed to the public while operations remain ongoing.
Residents are asked to keep children and pets away from shorelines and watercourses, and to avoid driving through flooded areas wherever possible. For flood emergencies, contact your local municipality. Residents of unincorporated townships should contact the Ministry of Natural Resources – North Bay District.
NBMCA staff will continue to monitor conditions as part of the Authority's Flood Forecasting and Warning Program and will issue updates as needed.
Current flood status and condition updates are available at nbmca.ca, on X (@theNBMCA), Facebook (@theNBMCA), and Instagram (@nbmcainfo).
This message is in effect until Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at 4:00 PM EDT.
Please note: NBMCA is responsible for local flood forecast and warning program within its jurisdiction, covering communities from North Bay and Callander to Mattawa. Where a Conservation Authority has not been established, the local MNR District Office is responsible for local Flood Forecast and Warning programs, including along the Ottawa River, see
NBMCA cannot assist with active flood response and does not control water levels or operate dams, our watershed is largely natural with very few control structures. The Parks Creek Backflood Control Structure, which prevents Lake Nipissing from flooding upstream into Parks Creek, is the one exception. Where a Conservation Authority has not been established, the local MNR District Office is responsible for Flood Forecast and Warning programs, including along the Ottawa River. MNR Flood Forecast and Warning.
CONTACT:
Angela Mills, Flood Duty Officer, cell: 705-497-4668
Paula Loranger, Community Relations Coordinator, cell: 705-494-5115