As winds gusting over 50 km/h drove waves smashing into North Bay and Callander shoreline properties, the flood warning has been continued for Lake Nipissing until in effect until Monday, June 10.
The local Conservation Authority has better news for the Ottawa River and Mattawa residents as the warning there has ended.
Currently, there is only minor precipitation forecasted for the North Bay-Mattawa area over the next five days.
"A strong northwest wind is currently gusting up to 50 km/h on Lake Nipissing, forecasted to continue throughout today, diminishing overnight, but continued strong westerly winds are possible tomorrow," warns the Authority.
Lake Nipissing is currently at elevation 196.52m (metres above sea level) near North Bay, falling about 2cm in the last 24 hours, however strong winds are causing increased water levels in some areas.
“Lake Nipissing continues to remain very vulnerable to wind and rain effects, and the current northwest winds may drive up water levels on the east side of Lake Nipissing including the City of North Bay and the Municipality of Callander.,” said Kurtis Romanchuk, NBMCA Duty Officer.
"This may pose a threat to properties along the Lake Nipissing and Callander Bay shoreline, as well as along the lower La Vase River and Jessups Creek. There remains strong potential that Lake Nipissing may exceed elevation 196.59m, at which point the French River Dams would be opened completely, and the outflow from the Dams is being reassessed on a continuous basis to balance flooding on Lake Nipissing and the French River," according to an Authority news release.
Information about the current status of Lake Nipissing may be found at the PWGSC website:
Meanwhile, the Nipissing First Nation Administration Facebook page says the lake level at Jocko Point is dropping by 1.5 cm per day and the decline is expected to continue.
"The average level on Lake Nipissing dropped to 196.46m, a decline of nearly 3cm since yesterday (Sunday) morning. The lake level has declined an average of 1.5cm per day for the last several days, and is expected to keep dropping by 1-2cm per day for the week."
Moderate winds with strong gusts from the northwest today are expected to raise levels near North Bay. Winds then shift from the southwest tomorrow then shift from the east by Wednesday. Wind speed and direction continues to be a major factor in local water levels and the lake.
Reports of large debris like logs, docks, and decks are also being reported in flood-affected waters and pose an additional safety risk to recreational users
For Mattawa, the Ottawa River is currently at 153.75m and has been stable over the last two days. A Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety remains in effect, and residents are reminded to exercise caution around high water levels. A boating restriction remains 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 current forecast for the Ottawa River states that water level at Mattawa peaked this year at 155.64m on May 11.
