Water levels are rising quickly in parts of northeastern Ontario after overnight rainfall pushed Chippewa Creek to bankfull conditions and lifted the Wasi River by more than 25 centimetres, conservation officials said Sunday
Rising water levels on the Wasi River and Chippewa Creek have triggered a flood watch for the North Bay-Mattawa watershed, according to the local conservation authority. Officials say wetlands and low-lying areas remain inundated, leaving little capacity to absorb more runoff.
There are growing concerns about water safety for the Lake Nipissing shoreline and Mattawa River downstream of Hurdman Dam.
Preliminary data indicate more than 25 mm of rain has fallen across the watershed since yesterday (Sunday).
“Wasi River has responded significantly to last night’s rain, having risen more than 25 cm and continues to rise. Chippewa Creek has increased by more than 75 cm and is bankfull,” said Angela Mills, Conservation Authority Flood Duty Officer. “Many low-lying areas and wetlands across the watershed are still inundated and have limited capacity to absorb additional water.”
Forecasts indicate temperatures will remain above freezing for the coming week, with daytime highs for most days above 10 ºC. Significant and continued rainfall is anticipated for the coming week, with 50-100 mm of cumulative rain forecast.
Water level and flows on local creeks and rivers will continue to increase in response to the forecasted rain and resulting snowmelt.
The public is encouraged to keep children and pets away from watercourses and shorelines. Residents should be aware that water levels and flows in local streams and rivers, particularly in urban areas, can change rapidly during and after rainfall events. Banks adjacent to rivers and creeks are very slippery at this time, and when combined with fast-moving cold open water, pose a serious hazard. Flooding and ponding are likely in flood-prone low-lying areas.”
