(North Bay June 14, 2019 – 2 pm) Water levels on Lake Nipissing remain high after spiking due to the widespread rainfall, prompting the North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority to extend the flood warning for the North Bay and Callander shoreline of Lake Nipissing to Tuesday, June 18.
“Although we experienced 20-25mm of rainfall and a spike in lake levels, the good news is there is very little rain in the forecast beyond Sunday and inflows are expected to drop back down over the weekend,” said Kurtis Romanchuk, NBMCA Duty Officer.
By tomorrow, another 5-15mm of rain is expected. No significantly strong wind speeds are in the next five-day forecast. Lake levels may continue to drop 1-2cm per day on average over the next several days, but will ultimately depend on the rate of evaporation and the actual amount of rain. Wind speed and direction continues to be a major factor in local water levels and Lake Nipissing levels remain vulnerable to any significant precipitation events and strong winds.
Lake Nipissing is currently at an average elevation of 196.31m, rising approximately 4cm over the last 24 hours, due to the received precipitation. However, the level is still considered high and the remains vulnerable to wind and rain effects. In North Bay, the local level reads 196.35m and at the French River outlet on the lake, the gauge reads 196.27m. The outflow from the dams along the French River is being reassessed on a continuous basis to balance flooding on Lake Nipissing and the French River.
NBMCA has been operating the Parks Creek Backflood Control Structure 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 pumps will remain in operation until Lake Nipissing’s water levels return to normal levels. Eva Wardlaw Conservation Area remains closed while the Backflood Control Structure is in operation.
The Ottawa River at the Town of Mattawa has risen substantially in the last few days to 153.59m due to received rainfall but remains well below its peak of 155.64m on May 11. The Mattawa River may be impacted by adjustments in the discharge from dams upstream on the Ottawa River due to heavy precipitation received in the last 24 hours in the Abitibi-Temiscamingue area.
A Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety remains in effect for the Mattawa River, and other watercourses in NBMCA’s jurisdiction due to high water levels.
Residents can visit the NBMCA website www.nbmca.ca under Spring 2019 Flood Update for links to the up-to-date levels on Lake Nipissing and Ottawa River at the Mattawa River.
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.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).
This message will be in effect until (or updated before) Tuesday, June 18, 2019, 4:00pm.
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CONTACT:
Kurtis Romanchuk, Duty Officer, 705 474-5420
Sue Buckle, Manager, Communications & Outreach, 705 474-5420