(North Bay May 22, 2019 – 1 pm) Water levels on Lake Nipissing and the Ottawa River appear to be stabilizing following a rise after last weekend’s rainfall. Both are still vulnerable to inflows and additional rainfall. 30mm rain is forecast for the next two days, prompting the North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority to update and extend its Flood Warning to May 27.
Mattawa
“The Ottawa River at the Town of Mattawa is currently at elevation 155.27m. The level had been trending down for several days, however, the recent rainfall caused an increase in water levels which are now remaining relatively stable,” said Kurtis Romancuk, NBMCA Duty Officer.
The current forecast water level for the Ottawa River at the Town of Mattawa is 155.50m, forecasted to occur today, which is approximately 23cm (9 inches) above its current level, but the forecast is expected to move into the future. Information about the most current forecasted peak water levels for the Ottawa River may be found at the Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board website:
http://www.ottawariver.ca/Forecast-2019.pdf
Substantial flow continues to be passed downstream from Lake Temiskaming. Otto Holden dam is passing through the flow it receives from the Temiskaming dam, which has a strong effect on the Ottawa River downstream. The rising levels of the Ottawa River pushes upstream into the Mattawa River affecting properties in Mattawa, Mattawan Township and Papineau-Cameron Township along the river.
Information about the most current forecasted water levels for the Ottawa River may be found at the Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board website: http://www.ottawariver.ca/Forecast-2019.pdf The current Ottawa River water level may be viewed at the Water Survey of Canada (WSC) website (note that there is a delay of several hours, and 100m should be added to the gauge reading for metres above sea level):
https://wateroffice.ec.gc.ca/report/real_time_e.html?stn=02JE013
The Town of Mattawa reports that sand and bags are available at their municipal public works yard, Municipal public works garage 1276 Mills St. Mattawa. Volunteer assistance is welcome. Municipal office 705-744-5611. Boat traffic on the Mattawa River is now restricted below the Hurdman Dam to protect the shoreline and properties from wave damage.
Lake Nipissing
Lake Nipissing is currently at elevation 196.52m near North Bay, staying relatively stable since yesterday.
Winds are currently from the east, but are forecasted to change to a west wind following Thursday’s rain event, which may cause a surge in water levels on the eastern end of Lake Nipissing. This may pose a threat to properties along the Lake Nipissing and Callander Bay shoreline, as well as along the lower La Vase River, particularly if there are strong winds or waves.
The Parks Creek Backflood Control Structure has been operating on Red Alert and pumping since May 2, to help mitigate flooding and sewer back-up for 350 homes in the Parks Creek neighbourhood. The pump will remain in operation until Lake Nipissing’s water levels return to normal levels.
Information about the current status of Lake Nipissing may be found at the PWGSC website:
https://www.tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca/ontario/eaux-water/renseignement-information-eng.html
The current Lake Nipissing water level may be viewed at the WSC website (note that there is a delay of several hours, and 190m should be added to the gauge reading for metres above sea level):
https://wateroffice.ec.gc.ca/report/real_time_e.html?stn=02DD006
Updates on conditions can be found on the NBMCA website: https://www.nbmca.ca/watershed-management/flood-forecasting/spring-2019-flood-event-updates/
The City of North Bay City continues to make sand and sandbags available at Sunset Park at the end of Sunset Boulevard and Champlain Park at the end of Premier Road for local residents
Cautions to Residents
All residents, especially those in low-lying areas, are encouraged to monitor the conditions that are developing. Parents are encouraged to keep their children and pets away from watercourses and waterbodies.
If your property is at risk of flooding, please contact your municipality. If you live in an unincorporated township, please contact Graham Mewett at the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry – North Bay District office at 705-475-5529.
Municipalities are encouraged to monitor water crossings and respond to high water levels. A close watch on local conditions and updated forecasts and warnings from Environment Canada is also recommended.
Staff at the North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority will continue to monitor weather and watershed conditions and provide updates if conditions change. Updates are posted on the website www.nbmca.ca under Spring 2019 Flood Update link on the home page.
The general public is advised of these messages through the www.nbmca.on.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), Instagram (nbmcainfo), and Facebook (NBMCA).
The public is invited to share photos of watershed conditions on social media using #NBMCAFlood.
This message will be in effect until (or updated before) Monday, May 27, 2019 , 4:00pm.
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CONTACT: Kurtis Romanchuk, Duty Officer, 705 474-5420
Sue Buckle, Supervisor Communications & Outreach, 705 474-5420 ext 2010