Although the North Bay-Mattawa region received roughly 20mm of the forecast 30-65 mm of rain at the North Bay airport, and less in the eastern portions of the region, Mattawa River watercourses and lakes remain high for this time of year, prompting the North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority (NBMCA) to update its Flood Outlook for the area.
“The watercourses in the Mattawa River watershed responded well to the rain that was received, however what did fall has managed to keep water levels high. The five day forecast will give the area some relief from the wet conditions, and that will help decrease flows and levels,” said Susan Brownlee, NBMCA’s Regulations Officer.
The Mattawa River watershed includes waterways in Mattawa and East Ferris, as well as the townships of Bonfield, Calvin, Papineau-Cameron and Mattawan.
With the long weekend upon us, area residents and visitors are encouraged to monitor the conditions and take proper precautions around area watercourses.
Municipalities are encouraged to monitor water crossings to ensure the continual movement of water through culverts and bridges.
Staff at the North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority will continue to monitor weather and watershed conditions and provide updates if conditions change.
This message will be in effect until Tuesday May 20, 2014.
Terminology: Notification Levels
WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT – WATER SAFETY: indicates that high flows, melting ice or other factors could be dangerous for such users as boaters, anglers and swimmers but flooding is not expected.
WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT - FLOOD OUTLOOK: gives early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts calling for heavy rain, snow melt, high winds or other conditions
FLOOD WATCH: potential for flooding exists within specific watercourses and municipalities
FLOOD WARNING: flooding is imminent or occurring within specific watercourses and municipalities.
