Water Safety Statement-UPDATE

 (North Bay December 31, 2024). A Watershed Conditions Statement - Water Safety has been issued for the North Bay Mattawa Conservation Authority watershed jurisdiction, according to the North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority (NBMCA).

 “Recent precipitation and snowmelt have increased water levels and flows across the landscape,” stated Angela Mills, NBMCA Flood Duty Officer. “Lake shorelines and river and creek banks are very slippery at this time and when combined with cold open water, may cause hazardous conditions.”

Water levels in smaller watersheds are receding while those in larger watersheds such as the Mattawa River continue to rise while the water drains from the landscape. No additional rain or melt is forecast.

                                                                                                           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 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 Monday, January 6, 2025, at 4:00 PM EST.