(North Bay June 11, 2019 – 1:15 pm) The rain that has fallen has caused a rise in local water levels, and there’s more to rain to come this week, prompting the North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority to extend the flood warning for the North Bay and Callander shoreline of Lake Nipissing to Friday, June 14.
“Approximately 46 mm of rain fell yesterday in the North Bay area and up to 35mm more is forecasted over the next five days with the majority on Thursday and Friday,” said Kurtis Romanchuk NBMCA Duty Officer.
Lake Nipissing is currently at elevation 196.34m near North Bay, rising approximately 3cm over the last 24 hours due to the received rainfall and shift in wind direction. There are currently westerly winds, which are causing an increase in levels on the east side of Lake Nipissing. Lake Nipissing continues to remain vulnerable to wind and rain effects, and strong westerly winds may drive up water levels on the east side of Lake Nipissing including the City of North Bay and the Municipality of Callander.
“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,” he added.
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 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.
The Ottawa River at the Town of Mattawa is currently at elevation 153.23m, and is fluctuating somewhat as dam outflows are adjusted upstream, but remains well below its peak of 155.64m earlier this spring.
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) Friday, June 14, 2019, 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.