The Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry (NDMNRF) –
Sault Ste. Marie District is advising area residents that a Flood Watch is in effect for the
Goulais 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. Residents within the Goulais River Watershed are advised that river
conditions should be monitored closely as water levels can change very quickly with
accelerated melting snowpack and forecast precipitation events.
NDMNRF is closely monitoring the weather and developing watershed conditions. Further
updates will be issued as appropriate.
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Description of Weather System
The forecast for today is calling for sunny conditions with a daytime high of +9°C (low 3°C) and possibility of rain overnight.
The three-day forecast predicts daytime high temperatures to be between 6 and 19°C with
nighttime temperatures ranging from 5 to 6°C for Saturday and Sunday. Rain in the amount of 10-15 mm are currently forecast over the weekend. The forecasted milder temperatures mixed with rain will likely result in rapid snow melt and significant run-off during this time period.
The latest local snow survey shows a continuing snowpack of 46 cm average depth and
representing approximately 170 mm of water equivalent. This water equivalency is well
above average for this time of year.
Description of Current Conditions
Water levels and stream flows across the region are moderately elevated from ongoing
spring snow melt and recent precipitation events.
Forecasted warm temperatures and precipitation will continue to accelerate the melting of
the snowpack and ice cover on local waterbodies producing additional runoff and increasing
levels and flows.
Risks may include fast moving cold water with rapidly changing conditions and significant
degradation of remaining ice on area lakes, rivers and streams. 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.
EXPIRY DATE
This message will be in effect until (or updated before): Friday, April 29 2022, 12:00 AM
