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MNR issues flood watch for much of North Bay area

Flood watch is in effect for: townships and municipalities bordering Sturgeon/Nipissing/Upper French River Watershed and townships bordering Ottawa River including Mattawan and Papineau-Cameron
Flooding
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The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) North Bay District is advising area residents of the following:

Flood watch - for Townships and Municipalities that border the Sturgeon/Nipissing/Upper French River Watershed and Townships that border the Ottawa River including Mattawan and Papineau-Cameron.

The storage capacity of Lake Nipissing and on areas of the Ottawa River is limited given its current high level and what may result in higher than normal water levels from forecasted precipitation. 

There is a potential risk of Lake Nipissing and the Upper French River reaching the maximum Non-Damage water level of 196.22m by mid to late next week.  This potential is subject to change as forecasts and current conditions become available.

Municipalities and residents along the Sturgeon River/Lake Nipissing/Upper French River watershed and the townships of Mattawan and Papineau-Cameron are encouraged to prepare for the potential high water levels.  

A close watch on local forecasts and conditions is recommended.

Watershed conditions statement - flood outlook: For all other areas in the MNRF North Bay District including Temiskaming Shores, Township of Coleman, Latchford, Temagami, Marten River, Thorne, Eldee, Corbeil, Astorville, Rutherglen, Powassan, Port Loring and Restoule.

MNRF is closely monitoring the weather and developing watershed conditions. Further updates will be issued as appropriate. 

Technical information

Description of Weather System

There is a weather system that will move across the district on Sunday and remain in the area until Tuesday. Rain is forecasted to produce 20-50mm of rain over the three day period. This may cause lake and river flows to increase while the water moves through the system as well as further increase runoff from the last of melting snow and ice in the northern reaches of the District.

Description of Current Conditions

Water levels and flows in the North Bay District are expected to remain elevated through the coming weekend and into next week from past precipitation and snow melt in the northern sector of the District.  Runoff from the remaining snow pack and melting ice will increase over the next few days as the forecasted precipitation contributes to, or maintains existing high water levels on area watersheds.