Goulais flood danger high as rain expected

NEWS RELEASE

MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES

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The Ministry of Natural Resources – 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 conditions, regularly check for updated messages and stay away from fast-moving rivers and streams.

Residents within the Goulais River Watershed are advised that although the ice went out on the river late last week, and ice jams are no longer a concern, the risk of flooding remains high as there is still a large amount of snow remaining in the watershed which could lead to flood conditions.

MNR is closely monitoring the weather and developing watershed conditions. Further updates will be issued as appropriate.

Description of Weather System

In the next few days a Colorado type Low Pressure System will move into the Sault Ste. Marie area. Rainfall in the amounts of 20 to 35 mm is forecast. There is an additional risk of thunderstorms associated with this system in the 5 to 10 mm range. Day time temperature highs will be 5 to 10 degrees for much of the northeast

Description of Current Conditions

The snow pack within the district still remains high. The recent warmer temperatures have increased the snow melt. Stream flows across the District remain high due to recent snow melt. It is expected that an upward trend in flows will continue over the next several days especially if the forecasted rain and thunderstorms materializes. A close watch on local forecasts and conditions is recommended.

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 http://weather.gc.ca/

The Surface Water Monitoring Centre public webpage can be found here.