Flood outlook issued for North Bay-Mattawa watershed

That very cold air mass that has settled across the province has caused below normal temperatures and prompted the North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority to issue a Watershed Conditions Statement – Flood Outlook.

These cold temperatures, in particular the forecasted minimum overnight temperatures, combined with sustained winds of up to 15km/h, will provide ideal conditions for the creation of frazil ice on open fast flowing watercourses.

“Lack of ice cover and exposure of the water surface to cold temperatures and/or wind chills below -18C can trigger formation of frazil ice which can accumulate quickly on bridge abutments, piers, submerged rocks, and river banks. Water levels can rise quickly upstream of areas with frazil or anchor ice and lead to localized high water conditions or flooding in vulnerable areas,” said Susan Brownlee, NBMCA Duty Officer.

Through to Thursday, January 15th, minimum wind chill values will range between -25 and -40 Celsius.

There are areas within the NBMCA watershed where larger rivers have yet to form full ice cover and are still showing elevated water levels from late December precipitation events and recent frazil ice development.

Banks adjacent to rivers and creeks are very slippery at this time and when combined with cold, fast moving water, pose a serious hazard. Parents are encouraged to keep their children and pets away from watercourses.

This message will be in effect until (or updated before) Thursday, January 15 at 12 p.m.

NBMCA advises the general public through the www.nbmca.on.ca website with the flood status icon and a link to information about current conditions.