4:15 p.m. update on possible Goulais flooding

NEWS RELEASES

MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES

************************* 4:15 p.m. update

The following is an update on the Goulais River as of 4:15 p.m., April 18, 2008.

The Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) in the Sault Ste Marie district continues to monitor increasing water levels on the Goulais River.

The MNR has observed water on both Island Road and Witrey Road.

It appears that the water may also go over the road into the Olar Subdivision.

Residents along the Goulais River must pay attention to water levels this evening into tomorrow as the MNR predicts they will continue to rise.

The MNR at this point is unsure how high the level will get but our sensors are not showing any signs that they are stabilizing.

Water is also noted to be one foot over the dock at Grants Landing.

Ministry of Transportation Ontario has advised that there is also a closure of Schoolhouse Road in Searchmont as a result of flooding in the Waboose area.

************************* Initial release - 1:17 p.m.

Goulais River watershed conditions bulletin - April 18, 2008

Levels and flows on the Goulais River have risen over the past 24 hours as a result of melting snow and rainfall.

The river levels are approaching the point that localized flooding can occur. Over the next several days day time air temperatures will remain seasonal and no overnight freezing is expected to occur.

This will continue to increase the amount of moisture entering the river.

Snow melt coupled with saturated snow pack will increase the chances of localized flooding due to increased flow. Flows and levels are expected to increase as a result of the warm air mass moving through the area.

Flow speeds are high and caution should be used around the river.

The snow pack in the watershed is extremely saturated this year.

This will cause increased runoff.

Residents along the river should monitor conditions closely.

The Ministry of Natural Resources continues to monitor river conditions and sensors.

As information becomes available this bulletin will be updated.

Residents wishing to get updates on changing river conditions can contact the Ministry of Natural Resources at 949-1231, option 8.

In the event of an emergency caused by flooding residents should call 911 if they require assistance of emergency personnel.

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