The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry advises that the following flood warning is in effect for the North Bay district, which extends from the head of Lake Temiskaming to Mattawa and Port Loring, until Friday:
The Ministry is closely monitoring the weather and developing watershed conditions. Further updates will be issued as appropriate.
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Description of Weather System
The next significant weather system affecting the North Bay District will move into the area on Wednesday and Thursday, bringing significant rainfall, with embedded thunderstorms likely.
Rainfall amounts of 10-15 millimetres over the southern half of the district are expected; however, localized rainfall accumulations of 10-25 mm or more are possible with the thunderstorms.
Description of Current Conditions
The North Bay District has received substantial precipitation over the past several weeks.
The combination of repeated rainfall and snowmelt has resulted in water levels and stream flows across the district rising significantly, reaching or exceeding flood levels in many areas.
Areas experiencing high water and flooding will see varied responses over the upcoming days.
Areas to the south with little to no snow pack are likely to see a continuation of levels or slight increase in water levels currently being experienced.
Areas to the morth where snow pack remains are likely to see a return to increasing water levels as temperature accompanied by rainfall continue to melt remaining snow.
Lake Temiskaming and the Ottawa River system are expected to be affected by significant rainfall combined with continued snow melt on the Ottawa River watershed.
Water levels on Lake Temiskaming currently sit at 179.30 metres and are expected to reach the maximum level of 179.56 m in the coming days.
Water levels along the Ottawa River will see an increased rate of flow well above normal conditions.
Lake Nipissing water levels currently sit at 196.32 m which is above the Maximum ‘Non-Damage’ Water Level of 196.22. Lake levels are modelled to reach or exceed 196.40 m in the next week.
Municipalities and residents, especially those in low-lying areas and along shorelines, are encouraged to monitor these conditions and prepare accordingly.
Shorelines and banks adjacent to rivers and creeks are very slippery and unstable at this time and, when combined with cold open water, pose a serious hazard.
In the northern reaches of the district, which include the Matabitchuan River and Montreal River watersheds, increased flows and water levels have been reported.
Continued melting of the snow pack coupled with forecasted precipitation and water/reservoir management will contribute to increased runoff and the potential for localized flooding.
Road closures and sand bagging have been reported and some area residents have been impacted by flooding.
Localized flooding has been reported in much of the southern portion of the District, which includes the Tomiko River, Sturgeon River, Upper French River, Mattawa River, Pickerel River, Wolf River, Restoule River, South River as well as creeks and streams that flow into sections of these respective watersheds.
A close watch on local forecasts and conditions is recommended.