(North Bay March 19, 2020) The North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority is issuing its second water safety statement this spring. Increased runoff to area lakes and watercourses are expected due to a forecast of rain and warm temperatures which will further melting of the snowpack.
Current forecasts for the North-Bay Mattawa area vary, but between 10-25mm of rain is expected this afternoon and overnight, before turning to snow Friday afternoon. The high today will be around 10 degrees Celsius and temperatures are expected to remain warm, around five degrees tonight and tomorrow before dropping to -16 Friday night.
“The anticipated rainfall combined with the warm temperatures will result in snowmelt and increased runoff to area lakes and watercourses. Flooding from rivers or lakes is not anticipated at this time, however, water is likely to accumulate on roadways, parking lots, and flat or low-lying areas,” said Kurtis Romanchuk, NBMCA Duty Officer.
Water levels on watercourses within NBMCA jurisdiction are generally near their average ranges for this time of year. As of the last NBMCA snow survey (March 13), there was an average of 99.7mm of snow-water-equivalence (SWE) at our three sites, which is slightly below normal (86% of average) for that time of year. There has likely been a slight reduction in the snowpack due to the warm temperatures last weekend following the snow survey.
All residents, especially those in low-lying areas, are encouraged to monitor the conditions that are developing. Banks adjacent to rivers and creeks become very slippery with precipitation and melting conditions. Parents are encouraged to keep their children and pets away from watercourses and water bodies with open water, and exercise caution around frozen areas as ice conditions will begin to deteriorate.
Municipalities are encouraged to monitor shorelines and water crossings, and respond to high water levels 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) Monday, March 23, 4:00pm.
-30-
CONTACT:
Kurtis Romanchuk, Duty Officer, 705 474-5420
Sue Buckle, Manager, Communications & Outreach, 705 474-5420 ext 2010