Flood Outlook Issued for North Bay–Mattawa Watershed

A Flood Outlook has been issued for the North Bay-Mattawa watershed, according to the North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority (NBMCA).

 “A Special Weather Statement was issued by Environment Canada for the North Bay – Powassan – Mattawa area, forecasting 20-40 mm of rainfall late Saturday (Mar 15) through Sunday night, with the possibility of localized areas receiving more,” stated Angela Mills, NBMCA Flood Duty Officer. “Temperatures are above freezing and are forecast to remain mild through the weekend with highs above 10 ºC and temperatures remaining above freezing through Sunday. The combined mild temperatures and rainfall are expected to trigger snowmelt and runoff,” she added.

 Water levels on area lakes and rivers are generally normal for this time of year. Moisture content in the snowpack is an average of 148.7 mm (as of March 14), which is above normal for this time of year. After recent mild temperatures and rain, the snowpack has limited capacity to store additional moisture. Water levels in the watershed will increase and localized flooding is possible in low-lying areas. Increased flows may impact shoreline ice stability, especially near creeks. Widespread flooding is not expected at this time.

 Today was a scheduled Snow Survey day and the results are included below. NBMCA measures snow depth and water content as part of its Flood Forecasting and Warning Program. Snow depth decreased by 3.8 cm and snow water equivalent increased by 32.3 since March 7.

 Snow is measured for depth and water equivalence at three locations in the watershed.

 North Bay Golf and Country Club (Chippewa Creek Watershed, North Bay)

*Data prior to Dec. 2011 collected at the former Northeast Mental Health Centre, Hwy 11

Corbeil Conservation Area (La Vase River Watershed, Corbeil)

Shirley Skinner Conservation Area (Kaibuskong River Watershed, Chisholm)

The public is encouraged to keep children and pets away from watercourses and shorelines. Area residents and visitors, especially those in low-lying areas, are encouraged to monitor the conditions as they develop and take proper precautions during times of high flows. If you have a flood emergency, please contact your municipality. If you live in an unincorporated township, please contact the Ministry of Natural Resources – 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 X (@theNBMCA), Facebook (@theNBMCA) and Instagram (nbmcainfo).

 This message will be in effect until Friday, March 21, 2025, at 12:00 PM EDT.

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

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

FLOOD WARNING notifies that 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.