The North Bay Mattawa Conservation Authority is warning there is still the potential for much higher water levels on Lake Nipissing and the Mattawa River.
"Lake Nipissing could rise another 22cm (9") and the Mattawa River could climb another 43cm (17") due to the snowmelt in the northern watersheds and the 30-55mm of rain in the forecast," according to today’s updated Flood Warning, which has been extended to May 15.
"Lake Nipissing is currently at elevation 196.37m near North Bay, and is forecasted to continue to rise until its peak in approximately two weeks. Water level forecasts estimate that Lake Nipissing could reach or exceed elevation 196.59m by next week, which is approximately 22cm (9 inches) over its current elevation.
“Strong wind and storm surge may increase local water levels substantially, as well as wave action. This may pose a threat to properties along the Lake Nipissing and Callander Bay shoreline, as well as along the lower La Vase River, particularly if there are strong winds or waves,” said Kurtis Romanchuk, NBMCA Duty Officer.
The Parks Creek Backflood Control Structure has been operating on Red Alert and pumping since May 2, to mitigate flooding in the Parks Creek neighbourhood.
Information about the current status of Lake Nipissing may be found at the PWGSC website:
The current Lake Nipissing water level may be viewed at the WSC website (note that there is a delay of several hours, and 190m should be added to the gauge reading for metres above sea level):
Meanwhile in Mattawa, “Increasing outflow from reservoirs in the Abitibi-Timiskaming region are causing Ottawa River levels to rapidly rise which raises the level of the Mattawa River impacting properties in Mattawa, Papineau-Cameron and Mattawan Townships along the river,” said Romanchuk.
Substantial flow is being passed downstream from Lake Temiskaming, due to the warm weather last weekend causing snowmelt in the north, and the forecasted precipitation. Otto Holden dam is passing through the flow it receives from the Temiskaming dam, which has a strong effect on the Ottawa River downstream.
The Town of Mattawa reports that sand and bags are available at their municipal public works yard.
Volunteers are needed. Call the Municipal office 705-744-5611.
The current forecast peak water level for the Ottawa River at Mattawa is 155.60m, which is approximately 43cm (17 inches) above its current level, anticipated to peak tomorrow. Information about the most current forecasted peak water levels for the Ottawa River may be found at the Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board website:
The current Ottawa River water level may be viewed at the Water Survey of Canada website (note that there is a delay of several hours, and 100m should be added to the gauge reading for metres above sea level):
