FLOOD WARNING for Lake Nipissing Shoreline (Callander and North Bay), La Vase River downstream of Lakeshore Dr, Parks Creek, and Mattawa River downstream from Hurdman Dam
Watershed Conditions Statement – Flood Outlook for the remainder of the watershed
(North Bay April 28, 2026). A FLOOD WARNING has been issued for the Mattawa River downstream of Hurdman Dam. A FLOOD WARNING remains in effect for the Lake Nipissing Shoreline, La Vase River downstream of Lakeshore Dr, and Parks Creek. The Flood warning in the remainder of the watershed has been downgraded to Watershed Conditions Statement- Flood Outlook.
"Water level on the Ottawa River, which directly influences water level in the lower reaches of the Mattawa River, has been rising in response to rain and ongoing snowmelt in northern areas of its watershed.,” said Angela Mills, NBMCA Flood Duty Officer. "In Mattawa, water levels may exceed the major flood level over the next few days, per the Ottawa River Regulating Committee." https://ottawariver.ca/
There is 10 to 25 mm of rain forecast for today. Winds will increase through today, initially from the southeast before becoming southwest. Winds could be 20 km/h, gusting to 70 km/h over Lake Nipissing.
Water level on Lake Nipissing is 6 cm above the maximum non-damage elevation. Snowmelt continues in northern parts of the Lake Nipissing watershed. Lake Nipissing directly impacts water level in the La Vase River downstream of Lakeshore Dr and Parks Creek. 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.
The public is encouraged to keep children and pets away from watercourses and shorelines. Avoid driving through flooded areas if 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 update this message 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, April 28, 2026, at 4:00 PM EDT.
Note: NBMCA is responsible for local flood forecast and warning programs for residents who live within the jurisdiction, including those in 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 MNR Flood Forecast and Warning.
NBMCA cannot assist residents or businesses with active flood response, and we do not control water levels or operate dams. Our watershed is largely natural, with very few control structures in the area. The one structure we operate helps prevent Lake Nipissing from flooding upstream on Parks Creek in North Bay. The Parks Creek Backflood Control operation began this week, and the public is advised that Eva Wardlaw Conservation Area is closed while in operation.
CONTACT:
Angela Mills, Flood Duty Officer, cell: 705-497-4668
Paula Loranger, Community Relations Coordinator, cell: 705-494-5115