Conservation Authority on flood watch

North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority
News Release

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On January 8, 2008, 1045 hours, the North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority issued a Flood Safety Bulletin notifying member municipalities of potential watershed conditions that pose a risk to public safety. This message is an update on watershed conditions and includes a Flood Warning for the City of North Bay.

The low pressure system experienced in the area will slowly move out during the course of the day. A total of 39mm of precipitation fell at the North Bay airport on Monday and Tuesday – this does not include the precipitation experienced during today’s early morning hours. Area watercourses continue to rise, with some creeks experiencing localized flooding. The heavy flow and rain on Chippewa creek has reduced the threat of flooding due to ice jams on the creek, however, there remains a potential for localized flooding to occur as a result of ice jamming on watercourses throughout the area.

In the City of North Bay, Chippewa Creek has breached its “top of bank” and reached a 1:5 year flood level. Area watercourses will continue to rise through the day, however, it is anticipated that the rain being experienced in the area will cease by noon and turn into snow as the temperatures drop throughout the course of the day. A low of -10°C is expected overnight with snow continuing overnight.

The North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority will continue to monitor watershed conditions and provide updates to this message as warranted.

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