The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry is advising residents in the Lake Nipissing and Upper French River areas that a Flood Watch is in effect until Friday, June 21.
“The Ministry is closely monitoring the weather and developing watershed conditions. Further updates will be issued as appropriate,” stated an MNRF release Monday afternoon.
The Lake Nipissing and the Upper French River areas are forecast to receive minimal precipitation and light winds over the next five days.
The long-term trends for inflows have continued to decline over the past several days.
With the current outflows and the weather forecast Lake levels are forecast to decrease by approximately 2cm/day and are expected to reach non-damage levels by Friday.
The MNRF explains that these decreases will ultimately depend on rate of evaporation and actual amount of rain over the coming days.
The affected area for the flood watch has experienced significant increases in water levels and stream flows over the past two months. The current higher than normal water levels and flows in the Lake Nipissing and Upper French River areas continue to decline, however, they remain in a vulnerable state until lower levels are reached. Further significant rainfall events could increase the potential for flooding. The Lake Nipissing and Upper French River areas have been impacted by higher than normal water levels.
Lake Nipissing water levels are currently sitting at 196.28m, still above the Maximum ‘Non-Damage’ water level of 196.22m.
The MNRF reminds impacted residents that high winds and rainfall could pose a risk and cause additional damages if forecasts should change.
The MNRF is also urging boaters on Lake Nipissing and Upper French river to stay away from shorelines and flood affected areas.
