(North Bay June 26, 2019 – 5 pm) Today the North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority (NBMCA) downgraded the Flood Watch for the North Bay and Callander shorelines of Lake Nipissing to a Water Safety Statement and renewed the Water Safety Statement for the Mattawa River below the Hurdman Dam.
“Water levels remain high on Lake Nipissing and the Mattawa River below the Hurdman Dam, and continued caution is advised near those watercourses. Water levels elsewhere in the NBMCA watershed are now within normal ranges for this time of year,” said Kurtis Romanchuk, NBMCA Duty Officer.
Lake Nipissing is currently at elevation 196.15m near North Bay, falling approximately 3cm over the last 24 hours. The normal summer operating range for Lake Nipissing is 195.75m to 195.95m. The lake is still above normal levels for this time of year and continues to remain vulnerable to large rain events and strong westerly winds which could drive up water levels on the North Bay and Callander shorelines. The higher than normal water level is affecting the lower reaches of La Vase River, Parks Creek and Jessups Creek.
The Ottawa River at the Town of Mattawa is currently at elevation 153.30m, and has fluctuated between 153.30m and 153.60m for the last few days, following a substantial decrease last Friday. This is causing a backwater effect on the Mattawa River downstream of the Hurdman Dam, and contributing to high water levels in this area. Based on historical data, the average water level at Mattawa fluctuates between 151.4m and 152.8m depending on the time of year.
The current forecast for the North Bay-Mattawa areas shows only trace precipitation over the next five days, up to 5mm. Highs will be around 22-25 degrees Celsius, with lows around 14-17 degrees Celsius. Westerly winds are forecasted for today and tomorrow, with gusts over 30 km/h.
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, July 2, 4:00 pm.
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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.