The Ministry of Natural Resources – North Bay District, is advising area residents that a Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety bulletin is in effect in the district until Monday, March 10, 2025 at 12:00pm.

Residents in the North Bay District area should keep a close watch on conditions and exercise caution around rivers and streams. The forecasted precipitation overnight and into Wednesday could impact lower-lying portions of known flood-prone areas. Please alert and or monitor any children and pets under your care to possible dangers and supervise their activities around waterbodies.

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

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Description of Weather System

A series of low-pressure systems have moved into Northeastern Ontario, bringing rain and snow, and temperatures above freezing in some areas before moving eastward late Wednesday.

Southern reaches of the district are expected to receive 10-15mm of rain, which could fall as snow in some areas, beginning later in the day on Tuesday (today) and continuing into Wednesday with an additional 10-20mm of rain expected. Northern reaches of the district are expected to see a mixture of rain and snow today into Wednesday with up to 15cm of snow falling and 5mm of rain. On Thursday, lingering precipitation may fall as snow or mix of rain and snow before ending moving into Friday. 

For all areas of the district, temperatures will remain near freezing Tuesday night before reaching above freezing temperatures on Wednesday. Temperatures are forecast to drop below the freezing mark again Wednesday overnight. 

Description of Current Conditions

Significant snowpack remains across the district, most of which contains above average water content, and lakes and rivers are still frozen. Rainfall from today and tomorrow along with warmer temperatures will see streams and creeks respond accordingly which could include unstable shorelines and the beginning of deteriorating ice conditions. Rainfall and snowmelt could result in potential flooding in low lying areas with a history of flooding. Residents in these areas are encouraged to monitor conditions and prepare accordingly.

DEFINITIONS

• 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.
• 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
• SHORELINE CONDITIONS STATEMENT – WATER SAFETY: indicates that along the Great Lakes shorelines high water, melting ice or other factors could be dangerous but flooding is not expected.

• SHORELINE CONDITIONS STATEMENT – FLOOD OUTLOOK: gives early notice of the potential for flooding along the Great Lakes shorelines based on weather and lake conditions, and water safety information.

• 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/page/surface-water-monitoring-centre
• Environment Canada bulletins: www. weather.gc.ca
• A close watch on local conditions and weather forecasts from Environment Canada is recommended.