A Flood Watch has been issued for the Mattawa River downstream of Hurdman Dam. A FLOOD WARNING has been issued for the Lake Nipissing Shoreline in North Bay and Callander and also remains in effect for the remainder of the North Bay – Mattawa watershed.
"More than 220% of normal April precipitation has been recorded at the North Bay Airport in the first two weeks of April,” said Angela Mills, NBMCA Flood Duty Officer. "Ongoing flooding is occurring along the La Vase River, Wasi River, and Mattawa River upstream of Hurdman Dam and its tributaries, including Trout Lake, Turtle Lake, Lake Talon. Lake ice combined with high water levels pose a significant risk for shoreline damage".
Minimal precipitation is forecast for the coming week, which will allow floodwaters to continue to drain through the watershed. Water levels and flows on local creeks and rivers will begin or continue to decline as water drains through the watershed.
The water level of Lake Nipissing has been rising rapidly and is expected to continue to rise as snowmelt continues in tributary headwaters. Significant snowpack remains in the northern areas of the Lake Nipissing watershed. Conditions through the coming weeks may be comparable to 2019’s flooding levels. The changes to water levels on Lake Nipissing depend on the amount of water flowing in from rivers, precipitation, and the amount of water flowing out through the control dams to the downstream French River. https://www.canada.ca/en/public-services-procurement/services/infrastructure-buildings/bridges-docks-dams/frenchriver-dam.html
Water levels and flows are above normal for this time of year in Mattawa. Water levels are rapidly rising as snowmelt continues in the Upper Ottawa River. High water on the Ottawa River impacts water level of the downstream reaches of the Mattawa River watershed and may approach flood conditions within the next few weeks. 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/
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 is scheduled to begin 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