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Flood and safety outlook issued

The combined rainfall and snow melt are creating the likelihood of hazardous conditions around waterways and on local water bodies
spring freshet turl 2017
Local waterways are flowing stronger as temperatures rise. Photo by Jeff Turl.

An intensifying weather system expected to bring 30mm of snow, rain and freezing rain overnight has prompted the North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority to issue a "Water Conditions Statement - flood and safety outlook."  

“As the system passes through, temperatures will rise above freezing allowing the existing snowpack to continue its recent melt before dropping to seasonal values Saturday night.  Temperatures are expected to rise again early next week contributing to the snow melt,” said Brian Tayler, NBMCA’s CAO.

“The combined rainfall and snow melt are creating the likelihood of hazardous conditions around waterways and on local water bodies.  Ice conditions on lakes and ponds can change suddenly with this type of weather and extreme caution is advised,” he added.

All residents, especially those in low-lying areas, are encouraged to monitor the conditions that are developing.  Banks adjacent to rivers and creeks can be very slippery at this time and when combined with cold, fast-moving water, pose a serious hazard. 

Flows and levels across Central Ontario are at moderate levels and are rising as a result of recent warm temperatures and rainfall.  Continued snowmelt and runoff due to forecast warm temperatures and rainfall will result in flows and levels continuing to rise.  Increasing flows and levels may result in river ice break-up and increase flood risk in areas prone to ice jamming. 

Recent warm temperatures and rainfall have resulted in a saturated snowpack that is ready to release water content.  Many areas that are free of snowpack are largely saturated and will readily produce runoff.  Combined runoff from the rainfall and snowmelt as well as ice breakup may cause ponding and potential for flooding in low-lying areas.  The return to normal temperatures early next week will slow melt and attenuate runoff.