Flood warning for the area remains in effect

North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority
News Release

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A Flood Warning is issued when flooding is imminent or occurring in low lying areas and flood plains.

The Flood Warning issued at 3:30p.m, April 28, 2011 remains in effect through the upcoming weekend.

Chippewa Creek (North Bay) has reacted quickly to this week’s rain. The water levels on Chippewa Creek peaked late Thursday afternoon and have since begun to slowly recede. However, conditions remain dangerous on all area watercourses.

Other area watercourses, including the Mattawa River drainage area as well as the Wasi River and La Vase River watersheds are swollen and currently experiencing minor flooding as a result of continued saturated ground conditions and the recent accumulation of run-off.

With the additional 5 millimetres precipitation forecast through the weekend, local municipalities are advised to be mindful of low-lying areas and continue with their flood response as necessary.

The North Bay District Ministry of Natural Resources and the North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority have issued a joint flood advisory for low lying areas around Lake Nipissing and the French River (see attached or visit www.nbmca.on.ca).

The public is urged to use extreme caution around all watercourses due to strong currents, very cold water temperatures, and slippery stream banks. Parents and caregivers are advised to keep children away from all waterways. Areas around dams, culverts, bridges and fast flowing ditches should be avoided at all times.

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

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The Flood Advisory issued at 10:00am today has been elevated to a Flood Warning. A Flood Warning is issued when flooding is imminent or occurring in low lying areas and flood plains.

Chippewa Creek (North Bay) has surpassed its five year flood level. Minor flooding is also occurring throughout the watershed and is expected to continue and possibly worsen over the next 24 to 48 hours.

All area watercourses are swollen with cold water and continue to rise due to ground saturation and the recent accumulation of run-off that continues to make its way through area watercourses. Additional precipitation is expected into Friday.

Local municipalities are advised to prepare for flood response as necessary.

Lake Nipissing is not in a flood condition. Ministry of Natural Resources is reporting that as of today, Lake Nipissing has reached the minimum elevation of the summer operating range and the lake level is expected to continue to rise over the next few days.

The public is urged to use extreme caution around all watercourses due to strong currents, very cold water temperatures, and slippery stream banks. Parents and caregivers are advised to keep children away from all waterways. Areas around dams, culverts, bridges and fast flowing ditches should be avoided at all times.

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

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