Supplied…
Issued March 8, 2016 @ 2:00 pm
The Sault Ste. Marie Region Conservation Authority would like to issue a statement to residents in regard to current watershed conditions.
The weather forecast over the next few days indicates a continuing warming trend with light precipitation today and into Wednesday but no significant rainfall amounts are currently forecast. Warm temperatures have resulted in an early melting of the snowpack. We anticipate a faster than normal melting event with continuing warm temperatures with evening temperatures over the next week seldom reaching below zero.
The snowpack depth in the watershed is well below normal and contains much less water equivalent. The ground is saturated and the meltwater will flow into local waterways.
Water levels in local rivers are well below critical levels and flooding is not anticipated. As melt continues and anticipated rainfalls are received, local rivers, streams and the flood control channels will experience a rise in water levels and flows.
The flood control channels owned and maintained by the Sault Ste. Marie Region Conservation Authority are flowing and melt water is entering the system. The Sault Ste. Marie Region Conservation Authority will be closely monitoring stream flows across the watershed.
It is important to remember that the water in local rivers, streams and channels is extremely cold. 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 channels. Potential increases in 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 Tuesday March 15, 2016.