Watershed Condition Status – Flood Outlook Update

  

Issued August 26, 2020 @ 1:00 pm

 

The Sault Ste. Marie Region Conservation Authority would like to issue a watershed conditions statement to residents regarding current watershed conditions. Flood forecasting and warning is part of the Conservation Authority’s provincially mandated responsibilities. This statement is sent out so that residents can be informed and aware.

Water levels and flows are generally in the seasonal range for the area watershed. Forecast precipitation over the next five days ranges from 20 to 70 mm. There is the potential for severe thunderstorm development this evening until tomorrow morning. Thunderstorms with heavy rain producing local amounts of 50 to 75 mm.

Currently, local rivers, creeks and streams are flowing at normal levels. If severe isolated thunderstorms with high intensity and a short duration occur over areas that become saturated by general rainfall, there is a risk of overland flooding of low-lying areas.

The flood control channels owned and maintained by the Sault Ste. Marie Region Conservation Authority are currently flowing at normal levels. The flood control channels will experience a rise in water levels. It is important to remember that the water in rivers, streams and the channels will be fast flowing during and after the rainfall event.

The Sault Ste. Marie Region Conservation Authority will continue to closely monitor stream flows across the watershed.

The Sault Ste. Marie Region Conservation Authority would like to extend a warning to residents and visitors to use extreme caution when close to rivers, creeks and streams. High water levels and flows can be especially dangerous and stream banks can be slippery. Please keep children and pets away from fast flowing rivers and streams.

This statement is in effect until September 03, 2020.

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