The Flood Watch that was put in place for the watershed on March 31, 2016 has ended and is no longer in effect.
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Chippewa Creek in North Bay has risen above its banks, prompting the North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority to issue a Flood Warning for the creek.
A FLOOD WARNING means flooding is imminent or occurring within specific watercourses and municipalities.
The North Bay-Mattawa region has received approximately 30 mm of rain in the past 24 hours.
The current weather system passing through the North Bay-Mattawa area has resulted in significant runoff. The rainfall, together with the high water content in the snowmelt, are leading to the current high water level conditions.
Larger watercourses in the area will continue to rise as the effects of the rainfall and snowmelt continues through the next few days.
The existing snowpack in the North Bay – Mattawa area has high water content, on average 120mm of water equivalent or 150% of normal for this time of year (measured on March 30). This high water content is combining with the rainfall to create the current high water level conditions.
Municipalities, emergency services and individual landowners in flood-prone areas should prepare to respond to these conditions.
Rainfall began Wednesday overnight and will persist throughout today, tapering off at midnight..
This rainfall combined with snowmelt has increased the already high water conditions and will likely to lead to minor flooding in vulnerable areas.
Rivers and streams will continue to rise over the next few days as these conditions persist.
This weekend temperatures are expected to drop below zero and with no precipitation in the forecast water levels are expected to recede to seasonal high levels.
All residents, especially those in low lying areas, are encouraged to monitor the conditions that are developing. Banks adjacent to rivers and creeks are very slippery at this time and when combined with cold open water, pose a serious hazard.
Parents are encouraged to keep their children and pets away from watercourses and off water bodies that have unstable ice conditions.
The Flood Watch remains in effect until Monday, April 4 at 12 noon.
