The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry – North Bay District is advising area residents that a Flood Outlook is now in effect for North Bay District.

The North Bay Mattawa Conservation Authority has issued a Flood Watch for the Chippewa Creek sub watershed and a Flood Outlook for all other watercourses, including the La Vase River, Parks Creek, Duchesnay Creek, Wasi River and watercourses flowing into the Mattawa River system

Residents along rivers and lakes are advised to keep a close watch on conditions, regularly check for updated messages and exercise caution around water bodies as levels and flows are expected to increase.

MNR is closely monitoring the weather and developing watershed conditions. Further updates will be issued as appropriate.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Description of Weather System

The current weather system will move out later today with additional precipitation between 10 mm – 15 mm expected into the weekend.

Description of Current Conditions

Levels and flows are currently high. It is expected, as the rain that is received moves into the system, levels and flows will increase through to the weekend. Actual precipitation amounts will determine rates of increase in the watercourses.

Ground conditions are currently saturated and increased runoff will cause water levels to rise significantly in the short term.

Expiry Date:

This message will expire on Friday, October 17 2014, 12:00 AM

Terminology: Notification Levels

WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT – FLOOD OUTLOOK: gives early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts calling for heavy rain, snow melt, high winds or other conditions

WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT – WATER SAFETY: indicates that high flows, melting ice or other factors could be dangerous for such users as boaters, anglers and swimmers but flooding is not expected.

FLOOD WATCH: potential for flooding exists within specific watercourses and municipalities

FLOOD WARNING: flooding is imminent or occurring within specific watercourses and municipalities.

Contact Information

For more information please contact:

Graham Mewett, Integrated Resource Management Specialist, 705-475-5529

A close watch on local conditions and weather forecasts from Environment Canada is recommended.

Environment Canada bulletins can be found at http://weather.gc.ca/

The Surface Water Monitoring Centre public webpage can be found here: www.ontario.ca/flooding