North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority (NBMCA) has issued a Watershed Conditions Statement - Water Safety for the North Bay–Mattawa watershed.
“Thunderstorms on July 27, 2026, produced 40 to 60 mm of rainfall across portions of the North Bay-Mattawa watershed. As a result, water levels and flows in many rivers and creeks increased and have generally reached their peak,” stated Githan Kattera, NBMCA Flood Duty Officer. “Water levels are expected to recede across most of the watershed.
This statement is part of NBMCA's ongoing Flood Forecasting and Warning Program, through which staff monitor rainfall, water levels, and streamflow conditions across the watershed to identify emerging risks and keep residents and municipal partners informed. That monitoring was in action overnight, as NBMCA issued a Flood Watch for the watershed after water levels on Chippewa Creek climbed to 1.45 m in just 1 hour and 20 minutes.
Although levels are stabilizing, watershed conditions remain sensitive. Many areas remain vulnerable following the recent rainfall.
We have seen the reports about flooded streets, however, the Flood Forecast and Warning program focuses on lake and river-sourced flooding. Urban flooding occurs when significant rainfall exceeds the capacity of stormwater systems to transport water and it is not part of the program.
Very little additional rainfall is forecast, with approximately 5 mm expected over the next five days. However, the convective forecast indicates potential for localized rainfall of up to 10 mm, and thunderstorms can develop quickly, producing intense, localized downpours with little warning. Given how saturated the watershed remains, even modest additional rainfall could trigger cause rapid in water levels and flows in rivers, streams, and creeks.
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. If you have a flood emergency, please contact your municipality. If you live in an unincorporated township, please contact the Ministry of Natural Resources - 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 if needed 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 nbmca.ca 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 X (@theNBMCA), Facebook (@theNBMCA) and Instagram (nbmcainfo).
This message will be in effect until Thursday, July 30, 2026, at 4:00 PM EDT.
CONTACT:
Githan Kattera, Flood Duty Officer, cell: 705-497-4668
Paula Loranger, Communications & Outreach Program Specialist,
cell: 705-494-5115