Conservation Authority issues flood outlook statement

North Bay - Mattawa Conservation Authority
News Release

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This is not a Flood Watch or Flood Warning, but a Statement providing information on the forecasted weather outlook of expected watershed conditions over the next three days.

As a result of the widespread rain and above zero daytime temperatures experienced on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week, local waterways are at or near their top of bank. Many waterways have fast flowing water on top of ice formed in last week’s cold snap. Temperatures for the next several days are forecast to be at or below the seasonal average.

Risk:

Stream flows remain high for this time of year. The flowing water could result in the break-up of ice formed earlier in the winter and create ice dams in shallow or constricted reaches. In addition, temperatures below -180C may create conditions that allow for the formation of frazil ice in open flowing streams. Frazil ice is the formation of ice on the stream bottom or submerged structures; it too can constrict stream flows.

Please be advised that the above conditions might lead to localized flooding.

Caution is advised around waterways in the region, including sections of lakes that are prone to flowing water or currents.

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