A FLOOD WATCH has been issued for the Mattawa River downstream of Hurdman Dam to the Ottawa River. The FLOOD WATCH previously issued for Chippewa Creek has ended and a Watershed Conditions Statement – Flood Outlook remains in effect for the remainder of the North Bay–Mattawa watershed, including Chippewa Creek.
“Several rounds of rain are forecast for today (Apr 29) and Thursday (May 1) into Friday, with a 4-day total of approximately 45 mm of rain possible,” said Angela Mills, NBMCA Flood Duty Officer. “Water levels and flows are expected to increase in response to the rainfall and melt of remaining snowpack, particularly in the northern tributaries to Lake Nipissing and northern reaches of the Upper Ottawa River watershed,” she added. Flow from the Ottawa River directly impacts the water level on the Mattawa River downstream of Hurdman Dam.
Snowmelt in tributaries to Lake Nipissing and the Ottawa River, combined with recent and forecast rain is contributing to increasing water levels. A Flood Watch has been issued for the lower reaches of the Mattawa River, downstream of Hurdman Dam where water levels are directly influenced by high flows on the Ottawa River. A Watershed Conditions Statement – Flood Outlook is in place for the remainder of the watershed.
The public is encouraged to keep children and pets away from watercourses and shorelines. Area residents and visitors, especially those in low-lying areas, are encouraged to monitor the conditions as they develop and take proper precautions during times of high flows. 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 if needed 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 X (@theNBMCA), Facebook (@theNBMCA) and Instagram (nbmcainfo).
This message will be in effect until Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at 4:00 PM EDT. COMPLETE BULLETIN
-30-
CONTACT:
Angela Mills, Flood Duty Officer, cell: 705-497-4668
Paula Loranger, Community Relations Coordinator, cell: 705-494-5115
Note: The North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority is responsible for local flood forecast and warning programs (Flood Bulletins | NBMCA) for residents who live within their jurisdiction, including those in North Bay and Callander to Mattawa. Where a Conservation Authority has not been established, the MNR District Office is responsible for local Flood Forecast and Warning programs, including along the Ottawa River.