FLOOD WATCH – Lake Nipissing shoreline in NBMCA watershed including parts of nearby creeks
(North Bay May 24, 2023). A FLOOD WATCH continues for the Lake Nipissing shoreline in the NBMCA watershed including areas in North Bay along Parks Creek from Marshall Avenue to the Lake; Chippewa Creek from Main Street to the Lake; and La Vase River from Riverbend Road to the Lake. A Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety has ended for the Mattawa River subwatershed including the Town of Mattawa, according to the North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority (NBMCA).
“A Flood Watch continues for the Lake Nipissing shoreline area and the nearby parts of Parks Creek, Chippewa Creek, and La Vase River, as these areas are influenced by high lake levels,” said Chitra Gowda, NBMCA CAO. “The lake water level has begun to decrease. Strong winds and wave action are a concern while lake levels are high,” she added. The water level on Lake Nipissing is regulated by dams operated by the federal government. Current water levels can be viewed by searching Station Name “Lake Nipissing” at https://wateroffice.ec.gc.ca/search/real_time_e.html
For comparison, when lake-based flooding occurred on Lake Nipissing in May 2019, the water level on Lake Nipissing at North Bay reached a maximum level that is about 50 cm higher than the present level. The water level was higher than current levels for the period between April 30 and June 28, 2019.
“A Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety has now ended for the Mattawa River subwatershed including the Town of Mattawa,” said David Ellingwood, NBMCA Flood Duty Officer. “The Ottawa River water level at Mattawa has decreased by around 150 cm from the high water on May 3. The water level and flow are now within the normal range for this time of year,” he added. 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/
Residents, especially those in low-lying areas, are encouraged to monitor the conditions as they develop, and prepare accordingly. Shorelines of creeks and rivers could be slippery at this time and, when combined with cold open water, pose a serious hazard. The public is encouraged to keep children and pets away from watercourses and shorelines. 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 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 Twitter (@theNBMCA), Facebook (@theNBMCA) and Instagram (nbmcainfo).
This message will be in effect until (or updated before) Wednesday, May 31, 2023 at 4:00 pm.
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CONTACT:
David Ellingwood, Duty Officer, cell: 705-471-6338
Chitra Gowda, CAO, cell: 705-477-0372