A Flood Watch has been issued for the North Bay-Mattawa watershed and a Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety continues for Lake Nipissing Shoreline and Mattawa River downstream of Hurdman Dam, according to the North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority (NBMCA).
“Preliminary data indicate more than 25 mm of rain has fallen across the watershed since yesterday. Wasi River has responded significantly to last night’s rain, having risen more than 25 cm and continues to rise. Chippewa Creek has increased by more than 75 cm and is bankfull,” said Angela Mills, NBMCA Flood Duty Officer. “Many low-lying areas and wetlands across the watershed are still inundated and have limited capacity to absorb additional water.”
Forecasts indicate temperatures will remain above freezing for the coming week with daytime highs for most days above 10 ºC. Significant and continued rainfall is anticipated for the coming week with 50-100 mm cumulative rain forecast.
Water level and flows on local creeks and rivers will continue to increase in response to the forecasted rain and resulting snowmelt.
The public is encouraged to keep children and pets away from watercourses and shorelines. Residents should be aware that water levels and flows in local streams and rivers, particularly in urban areas, can change rapidly during and after rainfall events. Banks adjacent to rivers and creeks are very slippery at this time and when combined with fast moving cold open water, pose a serious hazard. Flooding and ponding are likely in flood-prone low-lying areas. 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 weather and watershed conditions as part of the Authority's Flood Forecasting and Warning Program and will update this message as needed. Staff remain in contact with municipalities and other partners as required.
Current flood status and condition updates are available at nbmca.ca. This statement is also distributed to local media and posted on X (@theNBMCA), Facebook (@theNBMCA), and Instagram (@nbmcainfo).
This message is in effect until Monday, April 20, 2026, at 4:00 PM EDT.
Note: The North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority 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.
CONTACT:
Angela Mills, Flood Duty Officer, cell: 705-497-4668
Paula Loranger, Community Relations Coordinator, cell: 705-494-5115