Flood outlook in effect for Goulais River area

NEWS RELEASE

MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND FORESTRY

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Flood outlook for Sault Ste. Marie District

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) - Sault Ste. Marie District is advising area residents that a Watershed Conditions Statement - Flood Outlook is in effect in the District.

Residents of the Sault Ste. Marie District should keep a close watch on water conditions, regularly check for updated messages and stay away from fast-moving rivers and streams.

Residents within the Goulais River Watershed are advised that ice jams are a possibility and that river conditions should be monitored closely as water levels can change very quickly if ice jams occur.

MNRF is closely monitoring the weather and developing watershed conditions.

Further updates will be issued as appropriate.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Description of Weather System

The recent warm weather has started to melt the area snow pack and increase flow and water levels in area water courses.

The weather forecasted for the next week is for continued seasonal temperatures, with day time highs between 12-15 degrees Celsius.

There is very little precipitation forecasted until early next week.

These temperatures will continue to melt the remaining snow pack, and increase water levels.

Description of Current Conditions

Although water levels are currently below critical thresholds, the snow pack within the district still remains high.

The forecasted warm weather will continue to melt the snow pack and increase water levels and flow in area rivers and streams.

The Goulais River is showing signs of breaking up with some sections of the river now being ice free.

The threat of ice jams are high on the river with ice flowing downstream and collecting at some locations.

A close watch on local forecasts and conditions is recommended.

EXPIRY DATE

This message will be in effect until (or updated before): Monday, April 20 2015, 12:00 AM  

TERMINOLOGY: Notification Levels

WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT - FLOOD OUTLOOK: gives early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts calling for heavy rain, snow melt, high winds or other conditions

WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT – WATER SAFETY: indicates that high flows, melting ice or other factors could be dangerous for such users as boaters, anglers and swimmers but flooding is not expected.

FLOOD WATCH: potential for flooding exists within specific watercourses and municipalities.

FLOOD WARNING: flooding is imminent or occurring within specific watercourses and municipalities.

A close watch on local conditions and weather forecasts from Environment Canada is recommended.

Environment Canada bulletins can be found at weather.gc.ca/

The Surface Water Monitoring Centre public webpage can be found at www.ontario.ca/flooding

Tweet your reports of flooding with the hashtag #ONFlood.

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