A Watershed Conditions Statement – Flood Outlook has been issued for the North Bay – Mattawa watershed, according to the North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority (NBMCA).
“Water levels on area lakes and rivers are generally at or slightly below normal for this time of year. Snowpack moisture content is averaging 139 mm (as of March 2), with two of three monitoring stations recording above normal conditions for this time of year,” stated Angela Mills, NBMCA Flood Duty Officer. “The incoming rain and mild temperatures will trigger snowmelt, and water levels in local streams and rivers, particularly in urban areas, could rise rapidly. Localized flooding in low-lying areas is possible, though widespread flooding is not anticipated at this time.”
A rainfall event of 15 to 25 mm is forecast for Saturday, March 7, followed by a second event on Tuesday, March 10. Temperatures are expected to remain above freezing throughout the week, with a high of 11°C on Saturday and overnight lows near 0°C. No flood risk is anticipated for Lake Nipissing or the Ottawa River 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. 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 Thursday, March 12, 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