(North Bay June 7, 2019 – 2 pm) With water levels still high on Lake Nipissing, the Flood Warning for the North Bay and Callander shorelines of Lake Nipissing has been extended to June 11 by the North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority.
“Water levels on Lake Nipissing remain very high, affecting the lower reaches of the La Vase River and Jessups Creek. However, other watercourses in the NBMCA area of jurisdiction are generally approaching typical seasonal levels, but remain elevated in some areas," said Kurtis Romanchuk NBMCA Duty Officer.
On June 3, NBMCA downgraded the flood warning for all other areas, including Mattawa, to a Water Condition Statement – Water Safety.
The North Bay-Mattawa area has enjoyed a stable high pressure system with low precipitation for several days, which will continue over the weekend, however 20-25mm is forecasted for Monday. Highs will be around 19-22 degrees Celsius, with lows around 8-10 degrees Celsius, with Sunday slightly warmer.
Winds are currently relatively mild, but there is potential for strong westerly winds following Monday’s forecasted rain event which could affect the North Bay and Callander shorelines if the water levels remain high.
Lake Nipissing
Lake Nipissing is slowly descending, currently at elevation 196.39m near North Bay, falling approximately 2cm over the last 24 hours. Lake Nipissing continues to remain vulnerable to wind and rain effects, and any strong westerly winds may drive up water levels on the east side 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 and Jessups Creek,” said Romanchuk.
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. Yesterday’s increase in water levels on Parks Creek due to what is believed to have been a ruptured beaver dam has dropped.
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, and some reductions in outflow have been made recently to provide relief to the French River, now that Lake Nipissing is descending.
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/
Mattawa
The Ottawa River at the Town of Mattawa is currently at elevation 153.35m, and is fluctuating somewhat as dam outflows are adjusted upstream, but remains far below its peak earlier this spring. As mentioned above, a Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety remains in effect for the Mattawa River, and residents are reminded to exercise caution around high water levels.
The water level at Mattawa peaked this year at 155.64m on May 11. 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
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
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) Tuesday, June 11, 4:00pm.
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CONTACT: Kurtis Romanchuk, Duty Officer, 705 474-5420
Sue Buckle, Manager, Communications & Outreach, 705 474-5420
Terminology: Notification Levels
WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT: general notices of potential flooding or other conditions that pose a safety risk. There are two kinds of statements:
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 expected.
Flood Outlook gives early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts calling for heavy rain, snow melt, high wind or other conditions that could lead to high runoff, cause ice jams, lakeshore flooding or erosion.
FLOOD WATCH notifies that the potential for flooding exists within specific watercourses and municipalities. Municipalities, emergency services and individual landowners in flood-prone areas should prepare.
FLOOD WARNING: Flooding is imminent or already occurring in specific watercourses or municipalities. Municipalities and individuals should take action to deal with flood conditions. This may include road closures and evacuations.