The North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority says a flood warning is now in effect for the Mattawa River downstream of Hurdman Dam.
“Water level on the Ottawa River, which directly influences water level in the lower reaches of the Mattawa River, has been rising in response to rain and ongoing snowmelt in northern areas of its watershed,” says Angela Mills, NBMCA Flood Duty Officer. “In Mattawa, water levels may exceed the major flood level over the next few days, per the Ottawa River Regulating Committee.”
The Ministry of Natural Resources says water levels in the Mattawa area are forecast to reach the start of damage level of 154.8 metres in the coming days.
A flood warning also continues for the Lake Nipissing Shoreline, La Vase River downstream of Lakeshore Drive, and Parks Creek.
The MNR says the average water level on the lake has now exceeded the maximum “non-damage” level.
It was recorded at 196.24 metres on Sunday.
Zooming out to look at the district-wide picture, the MNR says a Flood Warning is in effect for the Ottawa River (between Lake Timiskaming and the east boundary of Papineau-Cameron Township, including the Town of Mattawa) and the shoreline of Lake Nipissing.
The Town of Mattawa says Phase I of a solid rock berm on Mattawan Street is expected to be completed Tuesday.
Officials say construction on the berm got started with the level of the Mattawa River continuing to rise, adding if the river rises significantly more the berm will be elevated accordingly.
The town adds there is plenty of sand available for bagging at the Mike Rodden Arena. for those who need it.
Meantime, the rest of the North Bay-Mattawa watershed is now under a flood outlook.
A less severe flood watch is in place for southern areas of the Sturgeon, Upper Ottawa River and French watersheds.
Northern areas are covered by a flood outlook.
