Goulais River on the rise (9 photos)

The following advisory was issued at 1:42 p.m. today by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources.

Andre Dupont, emergency information officer, advises that another aerial survey is being conducted at this hour.

As of 11 a.m., there were no reports of residential flooding on the Goulais River.

Water levels near Grants Landing have risen since yesterday, Dupont advises. The photo shown (and others in the photo gallery below) was taken between 7:45 and 8:45 a.m. today from faithful reader Amanda Beland's porch on Island Road

"The ice is really moving at times and it's loud," Amanda reports. "But then it stops for a while when it gets all plugged up. Our neighbour's yard has already started to flood. I live on Island road and figured you may like to share some of these photos with your viewers." ************************* Goulais River watershed conditions bulletin

Levels on the lower portion of the Goulais River have increased from yesterday.

The MNR is currently tracking ice movement through the lower river especially in the area of Grant’s Landing.

It has been observed that ice is building up in the lower river and increasing the levels.

As ice builds up the potential for ice jamming increases and can cause localized flooding.

This can occur quickly.

The river is below flood critical levels at this point.

Ice break-up is continuing to occur and is making its way downstream to the mouth of the river.

Over the next several days, daytime air temperatures will rise and will encourage snow melt and runoff.

Snow melt coupled with saturated snow pack may increase the chances of localized flooding due to increased flow. Goulais Bay and the mouth of the river are still frozen but are showing signs of opening up.

This can cause ice jamming as the ice may have problems moving into Lake Superior.

Flows and levels are expected to increase as a result of the warm air mass moving through the area.

The snow pack in the watershed is extremely saturated this year from rain and recent snow events.

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.

*************************