Unseasonably high temperatures, rainfall and melting snow have prompted the North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority to issue a Water Conditions Statement - Flood Outlook.
“Surface runoff from both precipitation and melting snow are expected to continue to increase the water levels of local urban watercourses, in particular, Chippewa Creek and small tributaries,” said Joel Harrison, NBMCA’s Duty Officer.
A Watershed Conditions Statement - Flood Outlook gives early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts calling for heavy rain, snow melt, high wind or other conditions that could lead to high runoff.
Serious flooding is not expected at this time but Chippewa Creek was at 202.6 m as of 3:30 p.m. today and may reach 203 m (top of bank) overnight.
As much as 10 mm of rain is expected in the North Bay-Mattawa region between today and Wednesday, with temperatures increasing to around 9 degrees Celcius tonight.
NBMCA's Feb. 15 snow survey showed snow depths range between 40 and 52 cm in the NBMCA watershed. Snow water equivalence ranged between 76 mm in the La Vase River subwatershed, 91 mm in the Chippewa Creek subwatershed, and 74 mm in the Kaibuskong River subwatershed.
Residents, especially those in low lying areas, are encouraged to monitor the conditions as they develop. Shorelines of creeks and rivers will be very slippery at this time and 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.
Municipalities are encouraged to monitor water crossings to ensure the continual movement of water through culverts and bridges. A close watch on local conditions and updated forecasts and warnings from Environment Canada is also recommended.
This message will be in effect until (or updated before) noon Wednesday.
