The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry – Sault Ste. Marie District is advising
Blind River area residents that a Flood Warning is in effect in the District until Friday,
May 03, 2019
Residents along the Blind River system should keep a close watch on conditions,
regularly check for updated messages and stay away from fast-moving rivers and
streams. Residents within the Blind River watershed are advised that the risk of
flooding is High and that some low lying areas are already experiencing flood
conditions.
The ministry is closely monitoring the weather and developing watershed conditions.
Further updates will be issued as appropriate.
TECHNICAL INFORMATION:
Description of Weather System
Daytime temperatures will remain seasonal but below average for Thursday and Friday
with temperatures between 5-10 degrees and will continue to melt the remaining snow
pack. Rain is forecast to commence today and will continue through to Thursday
evening. This rain is expected to bring an additional 10-20 mm of water into area water
systems.
Description of Current Conditions:
The recent warmer temperatures had increased water levels and flows last week in
some of the District’s watersheds with the melting of much of the heavy snow pack.
Flood levels experienced last week have been receding slowly over the past couple of
days but remain high. Residents within the Blind River watershed are advised that
the risk of flooding is High and that some low lying areas are already
experiencing flood conditions. Flooding is possible or already occurring in some low
lying areas and runoff from melting snow and rain may temporarily increase water flows
and levels over the next few days. Other residents of the Sault Ste. Marie District are
advised that low lying areas may also be near flood levels. A close watch on local
forecasts and conditions is recommended.
DEFINITIONS:
• 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.
LEARN MORE:
• Surface Water Monitoring Centre public webpage www.ontario.ca/flooding
• Environment Canada bulletins: www. weather.gc.ca
• A close watch on local conditions and weather forecasts from Environment
Canada is recommended.
For more information please contact:
Rob Berry, Sault Ste. Marie District, Blind River Field Office, 705-356-3006,
[email protected]