A flood watch has been issued for the entire watershed by the North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority.
Officials say with the forecasted warm temperatures and anticipated snowmelt, water levels in creeks, rivers and lakes may rise with the potential for localized flooding, especially in low-lying areas.
“Weather forecasts show warmer temperatures with minimal rain this week. The sudden shift in weather to very warm temperatures, as high as around 20 degrees Celsius, is expected to trigger significant and rapid snowmelt,” says Angela Mills, NBMCA Duty Officer. “Urban watercourses in North Bay will respond more quickly to the snowmelt. Watercourses in rural areas may also experience high water levels.”
The Conservation Authority says water content in the snow pack is very high with water levels in Chippewa Creek fluctuating.
Water levels on the Wasi River, La Vase River and Lake Nipissing have all increased while levels on the Ottawa River from Mattawa to Montreal are expected to rise.
Officials say lake-based flooding around Lake Nipissing is not expected at this time.
Residents are being encouraged to monitor the conditions as they develop and prepare accordingly. Officials say shorelines of creeks and rivers will be very slippery at this time and, when combined with cold open water, pose a serious hazard. The public is encouraged to keep children and pets away from watercourses and off waterbodies.
This message will be in effect until (or updated before) Monday, April 17, 2023 at 4:00 pm.
