MNR2

Suppied by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry… Sault Ste. Marie District NEWS Thursday, April 09, 2015 4:00pm The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) – Sault Ste. Marie District is advising area residents that a Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety is in effect in the District. Residents in the District should be aware that conditions could be dangerous for boaters, anglers, swimmers and other recreational users. Although no flooding is anticipated based on current forecasts, special caution should be used around rivers and streams. Please alert any children under your care to these dangers and supervise their activities. MNRF is closely monitoring the weather and developing watershed conditions. Further updates will be issued as appropriate. TECHNICAL INFORMATION Description of Weather System The system that moved into the Province from the southwest today (April 9) is forecast to bring 10 to 25 mm of rain to the Sault Ste. Marie area. Isolated thunderstorms with heavy downpours are forecast to bring an additional 5 to 10 mm to northeastern Ontario. On Friday, April 10, the system is forecast to exit the Province dropping residual (up to 10 mm) rain across northeastern Ontario. On Saturday, April 11, clear skies are forecast for the entire Province. Warmer temperatures are expected to continue over the next week with daytime highs as much as 10°C+ across much of the southern section of Northeast Ontario, including Sault Ste. Marie. Description of Current Conditions Although water levels are below critical thresholds, forecast rainfall plus thunderstorm downpours, and snow melt may cause watersheds to exceed flood criteria. The remaining snow pack in the Sault Ste. Marie area is quite saturated and in some areas has a water equivalent that exceeds 200mm. Southern sections have seen a rapid decrease in snow levels due to the higher temperatures. Forecast rainfall amounts may lead to higher, faster flowing water. Some streams could exceed bankfull conditions and flooding may occur in low lying areas. A close watch on local forecasts and conditions is recommended. EXPIRY DATE This message will be in effect until (or updated before): Monday, April 13 2015, 12:00 PM

TERMINOLOGY: Notification Levels 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 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. FLOOD WATCH: potential for flooding exists within specific watercourses and municipalities FLOOD WARNING: flooding is imminent or occurring within specific watercourses and municipalities. A close watch on local conditions and weather forecasts from Environment Canada is recommended. Environment Canada bulletins can be found at weather.gc.ca/ The Surface Water Monitoring Centre public webpage can be found at ontario.ca/flooding Tweet your reports of flooding with the hashtag #ONFlood.