News Release
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The below normal temperatures over the next 48 hours has prompted the North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority to issue a Watershed Conditions Statement – Flood Outlook.
This is not a Flood Watch or Warning, but a Statement providing information on current watershed conditions and forecasted weather. This evening and overnight, wind chill values will range between -30 and -40°C. There are some larger rivers that have yet to form full ice cover and continue to show elevated discharges from late December. With below normal temperatures combined with the wind, this could create conditions conducive with the creation of frazil ice on open, fast-flowing watercourses.
“Lack of ice cover and exposure of the water surface to cold temperatures and/or wind chills below -18°C can trigger formation of frazil ice which can accumulate quickly on bridge abutments, piers, submerged rocks, and river banks. Water levels can rise quickly upstream of areas with frazil or anchor ice and lead to localized high water conditions or flooding in vulnerable areas,” said Susan Brownlee, NBMCA Duty Officer.
All residents, especially those in low lying areas, are encouraged to monitor the conditions that are developing. Banks adjacent to rivers and creeks are very slippery at this time and when combined with cold, fast moving water, pose a serious hazard. Parents are encouraged to keep their children and pets away from watercourses.
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.
NBMCA will continue to monitor weather and watershed conditions and update this message based on the changing weather/streamflow conditions.
