A Water Safety Statement has been issued for the North Bay Mattawa Conservation Authority watershed jurisdiction, according to the North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority (NBMCA).
“Recent rain and warm temperatures have triggered snow melt and increased flows on local watercourses,” stated Angela Mills, NBMCA Flood Duty Officer. “Forecasted warm temperatures and additional rain over the coming week will generate snowmelt and increase hazardous conditions around lakes, rivers, and streams. Higher flows can break up the ice on streams and rivers. Water levels in the watershed are expected to rise; however, flooding is not expected at this time.”
All residents and visitors are urged to stay off the ice. Ice conditions can deteriorate with warmer temperatures, rainfall and increased flows. Banks adjacent to rivers and creeks are very slippery at this time and, when combined with cold open water, pose a serious hazard. The public is encouraged to keep children and pets away from watercourses and off waterbodies. If you have a flood emergency, please contact your municipality. If you live in an unincorporated township, please contact the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry – North Bay District.
As part of the NBMCA Flood Forecasting and Warning Program, staff will continue to monitor weather and watershed conditions and update this message if needed based on the changing weather/streamflow conditions. Staff remain in contact with municipalities and other partners as required.
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), Facebook (@theNBMCA) and Instagram (nbmcainfo).
This message will be in effect until Wednesday March 6, 2024, at 10:00 AM EST.
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CONTACT:
Angela Mills, Flood Duty Officer, cell: 705-497-4668
Chithra Gowda, Chief Administrative Officer, Secretary Treasurer, cell: 705-477-0372