A Flood Watch has been issued for the North Bay-Mattawa watershed, except for the Lake Nipissing shoreline and Ottawa River at Mattawa areas, according to the North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority (NBMCA).
“A precipitation event is forecast to bring 20-35 mm or rain followed by 5-10 cm of snow beginning late Friday (March 8) through Saturday,” stated Angela Mills, NBMCA Flood Duty Officer. “Warm temperatures over the past week have triggered extensive melt. Water levels in area rivers have increased in response. Water level is high for this time of year on local creeks and rivers, including Chippewa Creek, the La Vase River, and Wasi River. Water level is normal on the Ottawa River at Mattawa and Lake Nipissing. Localized flooding is possible in low-lying and poorly drained areas” she added.
Higher flows can break up ice on streams and rivers that are not yet ice-free. Water levels are expected to increase throughout the watershed; however, widespread flooding is not expected at this time.
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 Monday, March 11, 2024, at 4:00 PM EDT.
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CONTACT:
Angela Mills, Flood Duty Officer, cell: 705-497-4668
David Ellingwood, Director, Water Resources, cell: 705-471-6338