Lake level rising, high-water advisory issued

A high-water advisory for Lake Nipissing has been issued by he Ministry of Natural Resources and the Sturgeon/Nipissing/French Water Management Group.

As well the groups have issued a high-flow advisory for the French River.

Lake Nipissing’s level has risen almost 196 metres above sea level and could rise at least another five centimetres over the next few days.

Wind and waves may cause some shoreline erosion in low-lying areas around the lake and some inconvenience to dock and boathouse owners.

Dock owners should take steps to secure their structures.

MNR’s Surface Water Monitoring Centre has forecast rain to start overnight and continue on Tuesday.

Twenty to 30 millimetres are expected throughout the watershed with light to moderate winds.

Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC) continue to release additional water at the Portage and Big Chaudiere Dams on the French River in order to stabilize the level of Lake Nipissing.

Flows and levels on the French River are increasing in stages as a result and will continue to do so over the next few days.

Boaters are advised to use extreme caution.

Other dams owned by Ontario Power Generation (OPG) and the MNR will be manipulated as required to equalize water levels throughout the watershed.

MNR, PWGSC, OPG, the North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority and the Sturgeon/ Nipissing/French Water Management Group will continue to closely monitor levels and flows.