Watershed Condition Statement - Water Safety

The Sault Ste. Marie Region Conservation Authority would like to issue a watershed conditions statement to residents in regard to current watershed conditions.

The weather forecast indicates a north-to-south oriented frontal system will pass through the watershed later on Sunday and through Monday, bringing showers and periods of rain to most areas before moving eastward on Tuesday. Precipitation accumulations as the system passes are expected to be in the range of 20 – 45 mm. There is a risk of weaker convective cells, contributing an additional 5 – 10 mm as the frontal system passes.

Currently, local rivers, creeks and streams are flowing at normal levels. Forecasted rainfall will cause levels and flows to rise across the watershed. There may be localized flooding in areas with poor drainage.

The flood control channels owned and maintained by the Sault Ste. Marie Region Conservation Authority are currently flowing at normal levels. The flood control channels will experience a rise in water levels. It is important to remember that the water in rivers, streams and the channels will be fast flowing during and after the rainfall event.

The Sault Ste. Marie Region Conservation Authority will continue to closely monitor stream flows across the watershed. The Sault Ste. Marie Region Conservation Authority would like to extend a warning to residents and visitors to use extreme caution when close to rivers, creeks and streams. High water levels and flows can be especially dangerous and stream banks can be slippery. Please keep children and pets away from fast flowing rivers and streams.