The Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry (NDMNRF) – Sault Ste. Marie District is advising area residents that a Flood Warning remains in effect for the Goulais River.
Residents within the Goulais River watershed are advised that water levels are now above flood threshold levels and that flooding is already occurring in some low-lying areas along the river. Residents of the Sault Ste. Marie District area should keep a close watch on water conditions, regularly check for updated messages and stay away from fast-moving rivers and streams.
The Ministry is closely monitoring the weather and developing watershed conditions. Further updates will be issued as appropriate.
Description of Weather System
The Environment Canada forecast is predicting cooler weather over the Easter long weekend with daytime highs of 1° to 4°C and overnight lows of -1° to -5°C. Daytime temperatures will creep back up on Tuesday but with nighttime temperatures remaining below zero degrees. Approximately 5 mm of rain is currently forecast between Monday and Tuesday.
The latest local snow survey for the Goulais River watershed shows a continuing snowpack of 47 cm average depth representing approximately 180 mm of water equivalent. This water equivalency is well above the annual average for this time of year.
Description of Current Conditions
Water levels and stream flows across the region are significantly elevated from ongoing spring snow melt and recent precipitation events.
Forecasted warm temperatures and precipitation will further accelerate the melting of the snowpack and ice cover on local waterbodies producing additional runoff and increasing levels and flows.
Risks may include significant degradation of ice and fast moving cold water with rapidly changing conditions. In addition to unsafe ice conditions on area waterbodies there may also be localized flooding in low lying areas with a history of flooding.
A close watch on local forecasts and conditions is recommended. Residents within the Goulais River Watershed are advised that some areas within the flood plain have reached flood critical levels.
The Flood Warning will be in effect until (or updated before): Friday, April 22 2022, 12:00 AM
Notification Level Definitions
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
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
