(North Bay April 12, 2022 4 pm) The North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority is issuing its fifth watershed conditions statement this spring due to a substantial amount of rainfall in the forecast for the next two days. Although increased runoff due to snow melt and precipitation are in the forecast, flooding is not expected at this time.
“Although water levels on watercourses within NBMCA jurisdiction have descended and are generally around average levels for this time of year, the ground remains saturated. The forecast is calling for 30 mm of rain or up to 50 mm if thunderstorms materialize in the area. That, together with the remaining snow melt, will likely result in significant runoff to area lakes and watercourses,” said Kurtis Romanchuk, NBMCA Duty Officer.
WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT - Water Safety indicates that high flows, unsafe banks, melting ice or other factors could be dangerous for users such as anglers, boaters, swimmers, children or pets. Flooding is not anticipated at this time.
Lake Nipissing:
The current water level for Lake Nipissing at North Bay is 195.37m. It is expected that the lake will rise rapidly in the days following this rain event, and Lake Nipissing is expected to reach its normal operating range (195.75-195.95m) within the next two weeks. Flooding around the Lake Nipissing shoreline is not anticipated at this time.
Ottawa River at Mattawa:
The current water level for the Ottawa River at Mattawa is around 152.14m. The current forecast shows the level increasing to 152.7m by April 14th, which is still well below flood levels, however further increases are likely given the forecasted rainfall..
All residents, especially those in low-lying areas, are encouraged to monitor the conditions that are developing. Banks adjacent to rivers and creeks become very slippery with precipitation and melting conditions. Parents are encouraged to keep their children and pets away from watercourses and water bodies with open water, and exercise caution around areas where ice remains.
Municipalities are encouraged to monitor shorelines and water crossings, and respond to high water levels as necessary.
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.
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), Instagram (nbmcainfo), and Facebook (theNBMCA).
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) Tuesday, April 19, 4:00pm.
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