Due to lower-than-normal precipitation and streamflow, Low Water Level 1 Condition has been confirmed for the NBMCA jurisdiction, according to the
North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority (NBMCA).
“We have experienced drier-than-normal conditions since the end of July. The lack of rainfall has led to low streamflow across the watershed,” states NBMCA Duty Officer Angela Mills.“Water levels and streamflow are generally lowest in August and rise through the autumn, but this year, they have continued to drop.”
The Low Water Conditions are part of a three-tiered advisory system used in Ontario to inform the public of local drought conditions. Level 1 is the least severe and Level 3 is the most severe.
Seasonal precipitation and one-month streamflow are used to assess Low Water Conditions. Cumulative rainfall measured at the North Bay Airport gauge for August, September and October was 62.8 per cent of the historical average (1991 to 2020) for this time of year.
Streamflow averages at the three stream gauge stations are also below the historical average for this time of year. Chippewa Creek is at 27 per cent, the La Vase River is at 7 per cent, and the Wasi River is at 28 per cent of the historical average level for the last 31 days.
Low water levels in some areas mean submerged hazards may be closer to the surface than in the past. Boaters are encouraged to exercise additional caution in areas with low water.
Staff at NBMCA will continue to monitor weather and watershed conditions and provide updates if conditions change. This message will remain in effect until further notice.
