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 Friday, March 28, 2025 at 4:00pm.

Residents in the North Bay District area should keep a close watch on conditions and exercise caution around lakes, rivers and streams. The recent warm temperatures and rainfall have impacted shoreline and ice conditions and have increased water flows in some 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

Throughout the district, temperatures have dropped with the forecast showing cooler days remaining below or close to the freezing mark and nighttime temperatures staying well below the freezing mark for the coming days.

Moving into next week, winter weather is expected to return with precipitation forecast to fall as snow rather than rain.

Description of Current Conditions

Flooding is not anticipated with the incoming cooler temperatures. Water levels across the district are within normal ranges for this time of year; however, flows in rivers, streams and creeks have increased in some areas given the recent snowmelt, rainfall and associated runoff.

Shorelines remain unstable and ice conditions have deteriorated significantly in most areas of the district. Lakes and rivers in the northern reaches of the district are still frozen while those in the southern reaches are starting to see open water in some areas. Ice cover in some areas has begun to weaken and break up, creating a risk of ice jamming.

While significant snowpack remains across most areas of the district, snow depth has decreased over the last couple of weeks leaving 30-70cm of snow in northern reaches and 5-55cm in southern reaches. Snowpack density is high because of the recent warm weather conditions, as a result, the snowpack has a limited capacity to absorb future rainfall and runoff.

Residents throughout the district are encouraged to monitor local conditions and use caution when participating in activities on or in proximity to all waterbodies.

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.