NEWS RELEASE
MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES
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The Ministry of Natural Resources – Sault Ste. Marie/Blind River District is advising area residents that a Flood Warning is in effect for the district until Tuesday, April 29 at noon.
Residents throughout the district, especially those located in the Goulais River watershed area, should keep a close watch on water conditions, and stay away from fast-moving rivers and streams. Residents within the Goulais River watershed are advised that river conditions should be monitored closely as water levels can change very quickly with runoff from recent melting and forecasted rainfall events.
The Ministry is closely monitoring the weather and developing watershed conditions. Further updates will be issued as appropriate.
Description of Weather System
Sunny weather conditions today will change over to rain showers late in the evening and overnight. Precipitation will continue throughout the day Monday with 15 to 20 mm of rain expected. Daytime temperatures will reach highs of 6 C over the next two days and then increase to 10 C and greater with positive temperatures prevailing overnight. This pattern is expected to accelerate the ongoing melting and runoff.
Description of Current Conditions
Water levels and stream flows across the region are elevated from spring snow melt and recent precipitation events. The depth of snowpack throughout the District remains high especially in areas lying north of Goulais River and Searchmont. Snowpack measurements indicate depths of approximately 66 cm, with an average water equivalent exceeding 200 mm in the northern portion of the watershed. These values are well above the long-term average and increase the likelihood of above normal runoff due to melting and precipitation.
Water levels for the Goulais River currently lie below flood critical threshold parameters but continue to rise. Risks may include fast moving frigid water with rapidly changing conditions. Localized flooding in low lying areas with a history of flooding are a possibility. A close watch on local forecasts and conditions is recommended.
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