(North Bay March 18, 2022)  With an estimated 14mm of rain in the forecast over the next few days, together with snowpack melt from above zero temperatures, increased runoff to area watercourses and waterbodies is anticipated this weekend, prompting the North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority to issue a Watershed Conditions Statement – Flood Outlook for the watershed.

“It is anticipated that urbanized watercourses with NBMCA’s jurisdiction, such as Chippewa Creek, will rise Saturday with the rainfall and warm temperatures.  Rural watercourses will have a delayed response, but they are likely to rise later on Saturday and into Sunday,” said Kurtis Romanchuk, NBMCA Duty Officer.

Localized flooding from area watercourses is possible if substantial rainfall and snowmelt occurs.  Water is likely to accumulate on roadways, parking lots and flat or low-lying areas but serious flooding is not anticipated at this time.

“It is important for everyone to take care especially along streambanks and shorelines.  Banks are slippery and fast-moving water can pose a serious hazard. The warm temperatures and precipitation will degrade ice conditions on lakes and waterbodies further,” added Romanchuk.

Water levels on watercourses within NBMCA jurisdiction are generally at average levels for this time of year.  Weather forecasts for the next few days include an estimated 7mm of rainfall this evening (Friday), and a further 7mm tomorrow (Saturday), with higher amounts possible in localized areas, and a clear forecast thereafter.  High temperatures will be around 6 degrees Celsius, with the low tonight 2 degrees above zero, dropping to around 2 degrees below zero for Saturday and Sunday.

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.

All residents, especially those in low-lying areas, are encouraged to monitor the conditions that are developing.  Municipalities are encouraged to monitor shorelines and water crossings and respond as necessary.

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.

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 theNBMCA.                                                                                                                          

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, March 22, 2022 at 4 pm.

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CONTACT:

Kurtis Romanchuk, Duty Officer, cell: 705-498-1462
Sue Buckle, Manager, Communications & Outreach, cell: 705 497-4999

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.