The Ottawa River at Mattawa has resumed its slight downward trend following a rise in response to recent rainfall, says the North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority.
Besides Saturday’s precipitation in the North Bay-Mattawa area, there is at least one system moving through the area this week, although currently only minor precipitation is forecasted in the North Bay-Mattawa area — enough for the NBMCA to extend its Flood Warning to Wednesday.
The Ottawa River at Mattawa is currently at 155.21 metres above sea level. The water level has resumed its slight downward trend, following the rise in response to the rainfall last week.
Substantial flow continues to be passed from Lake Temiskaming, however, that lake is now beginning to trend down, which will result in a reduction of flows downstream including the Town of Mattawa. Otto Holden dam continues to pass through the flow it receives from the Temiskaming dam.
A boating restriction is in effect for the Ottawa River and the Mattawa River downstream of the Hurdman Dam, and it is noted that safety booms have not yet been installed at the Hurdman Dam. The boat traffic restriction has been implemented to protect the shoreline and properties from wave damage.
As of today, school bus service has resumed on pre-flood routes, where the street closures permit.
The Town of Mattawa reports that sand and bags are available at their municipal public works yard, Located at 1276 Mills Street in Mattawa. Volunteer assistance is welcome. The municipal office can be reached at 705-744-5611.
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.
