Still lots of snowpack, flood outlook continues for Lake Nipissing

Due to the late arrival of spring-like weather, approximately 20 cm of wet snow (about 7 cm, as liquid water) remains at monitored sites within the region.  In most years the snowpack has completely melted by mid-April; this amount of snow is substantially greater than the historical average for each of the three monitored watersheds. 

Area watercourses are at normal high spring water levels, and are expected to continue to rise in the coming weeks as the snowpack gradually melts. 

The current short-term forecast shows no significant precipitation and below freezing overnight temps, which will result in lower amounts of runoff from the melting snow. 

The Watershed Conditions Statement – Flood Outlook that was issued by the NBMCA on April 14th for Lake Nipissing remains in effect due to high levels and risk for ice damage along the shoreline.  Staff at the NBMCA are closely monitoring current conditions and forecasts.

Snow is measured for depth and water equivalence at three locations in the watershed.   Data for the season can be found on the NBMCA website at www.nbmca.on.ca.

North Bay Golf and Country Club (Chippewa Creek Watershed, North Bay)                                                                                                                                          

Corbeil Conservation Area (La Vase River Watershed, Corbeil)

Shirley Skinner Conservation Area (Kaibuskong River Watershed, Chisholm)