Flood risk update

NEWS RELEASE

SAULT STE. MARIE REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY

************************* Watershed conditions bulletin

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

Most of the local small creeks and streams are fast flowing as a result of warmer spring temperatures which are melting the snow pack causing runoff in the northern portion of the watershed.

The weather forecast from the Surface Water Monitoring Centre indicates that our area could receive between 20 and 30 mm of rainfall for the next three days with a slight chance of thunderstorms that may result in higher amounts in local accumulations.

In addition, the forecasted temperatures for the region will remain above zero which will increase snowmelt.

These two factors combine to increase the amount of water entering our local watercourses.

The melting of the snowpack combined with the anticipated precipitation will cause increases in water levels and the flow of local water courses.

Flooding of waterways is not anticipated given the current forecast.

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.

Potential increases in water levels and flows can be especially dangerous and stream banks can be slippery.

Please remind children to keep away from fast-flowing rivers and streams.

This bulletin will not be updated unless conditions warrant.

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