Conservation Authority watershed flood update

NEWS RELEASE

SAULT STE. MARIE REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY

************************* Watershed conditions update - April 9, 11 a.m.

This watershed conditions bulletin is from the Sault Ste. Marie Region Conservation Authority.

The current MNR weather forecast is favourable for the next 48 hours with little or no precipitation forecasted.

Sault Ste. Marie and Prince Township ground conditions are that soils are saturated and are unable to absorb further precipitation.

The recent rainfalls combined with runoff from melting snow will continue to increase the amount of water entering our local watercourses.

Steam levels and flows have increased over the past few days but none have reached flood critical to date.

The forecast for Friday and Saturday is for more rainfall with a potential of between 20 and 25 mm in a 24-hour period.

With soil conditions at the saturation point, the rainfall will result in increased runoff to rivers and streams.

There is potential for some flooding in low lying areas.

The Sault Ste. Marie Region Conservation Authority is monitoring weather and streamflow conditions and will update this watershed conditions report as necessary.

The Sault Ste. Marie Region Conservation Authority would like to remind residents and visitors to use extreme caution when close to rivers, creeks and streams.

The high water levels and flows can be especially dangerous.

Please remind children to keep away from open water and partially frozen waterways.

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