Watershed Conditions Statement – Flood Outlook

A Watershed Conditions Statement – Flood Outlook has been issued for the North Bay-Mattawa watershed and Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety has been issued for the Lake Nipissing Shoreline in North Bay and Callander and the lower reaches of the Mattawa River in Mattawa, according to the North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority (NBMCA).

 Water levels on area lakes and rivers are normal for this time of year, and area lakes remain ice-covered. Soils may still be frozen in some locations or have recently thawed and are near saturation, limiting their ability to absorb rainfall and snowmelt. Water levels on Lake Nipissing and the Ottawa River in Mattawa are within normal ranges for this time of year.

 Mild daytime temperatures and rainfall are forecasted and combined with continued snowmelt; increased runoff is expected raising water levels across the watershed. Flooding is not anticipated along the Lake Nipissing shoreline or in Mattawa at this time.

 “Warmer spring temperatures, combined with forecasted rainfall on Friday and Monday, are expected to impact low-lying areas," stated Githan Kattera, NBMCA Flood Duty Officer. "Temperatures are expected to reach around 10°C during the day and approach freezing overnight in the coming week, with approximately 15 to 25 mm of rain forecast for Friday, April 18, and an additional 10 mm on Monday, April 21,” he added.

         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.