MNR extends flood advisory for French River

MNR News Release

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The Ministry of Natural Resources has extended the flood advisory issued last week for areas along the French River to include the shoreline of Lake Nipissing. The ministry also continued the high flow safety bulletin for the Sturgeon River as the northern snow pack continues to melt.
Recent measurements taken at ministry snow stations located in the northern reaches of the watershed indicate there are still more than 40 centimetres of snow in the bush yet to melt. As a result, the flow in the Sturgeon River is continuing to increase and is expected to remain very high for at least the next two weeks.

In addition, the current flow in the French River is expected to remain stable but at a very high rate at least for the next two to three weeks. Property owners located in low-lying areas adjacent to Lake Nipissing should take precautions as the lake’s level now exceeds the summer operating range by five centimetres and is expected to continue to rise by three centimetres a day for the next week.

Since the lower French River below the Public Works and Government Services Canada dams is already at its flood limit level, additional water cannot be released out of Lake Nipissing at this time.

QUICK FACTS

• Watershed levels are closely monitored by the Ministry of Natural Resources, Public Works and Government Services Canada, Ontario Power Generation and the North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority.

• People should contact their municipality first for flood assistance.

• When water levels are high, parents are encouraged to keep their children and pets away from watercourses.

LEARN MORE

• For further information on water levels and flows, call the toll-free information line of Public Works and Government Services Canada at 1-866-763-2300.
• Visit the Ministry of Natural Resources flood information website.

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