The North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority reports water levels on Lake Nipissing and the Ottawa River appear to be stabilizing following a rise after this weekend’s rainfall.
However, both are still vulnerable to inflows and additional rainfall. As 30 millimetres of rain is forecast for the next two days, the NBMCA is updating and extending its Flood Warning to May 27.
“The Ottawa River at the Town of Mattawa is currently at elevation 155.27 metres [above sea level]. The level had been trending down for several days, however, the recent rainfall caused an increase in water levels which are now remaining relatively stable,” said Kurtis Romanchuk, NBMCA Duty Officer.
The Town of Mattawa reports that sand and bags are available at their municipal public works yard and garage, located at 1276 Mills Street in Mattawa. Volunteer assistance is welcome. The municipal office can be reached at 705-744-5611. Boat traffic on the Mattawa River remains restricted below the Hurdman Dam to protect the shoreline and properties from wave damage.
As far as Lake Nipissing, the NBMCA says it is currently at elevation 196.52 m (above sea level) near North Bay, staying relatively stable since yesterday.
Winds are currently from the east but are forecasted to change to a west wind following Thursday’s rain event, which may cause a surge in water levels on the eastern end of Lake Nipissing. This may pose a threat to properties along the Lake Nipissing and Callander Bay shoreline, as well as along the lower LaVase River, particularly if there are strong winds or waves.
The Parks Creek Backflood Control Structure has been operating on red alert and pumping since May 2, to help mitigate flooding and sewer back-up for 350 homes in the Parks Creek neighbourhood. The pump will remain in operation until Lake Nipissing’s water levels return to normal levels.
Updates on conditions can be found on the NBMCA website.
The City of North Bay continues to make sand and sandbags available at Sunset Park at the end of Sunset Boulevard and Champlain Park at the end of Premier Road for local residents.
All residents, especially those in low-lying areas, are encouraged to monitor the conditions that are developing. Parents are encouraged to keep their children and pets away from watercourses and waterbodies.
If your property is at risk of flooding, please contact your municipality. If you live in an unincorporated township, contact Graham Mewett at the MNRF – North Bay District office at 705-475-5529.
Municipalities are encouraged to monitor water crossings and respond to high water levels. A close watch on local conditions and updated forecasts and warnings from Environment Canada is also recommended.
Staff at the North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority will continue to monitor weather and watershed conditions and provide updates if conditions change. Updates are posted on the website www.nbmca.ca under Spring 2019 Flood Update link on the home page.
The public is invited to share photos of watershed conditions on social media using #NBMCAFlood.
