THUNDER BAY – CLIMATE – The Lakehead Region Conservation Authority is issuing an update to the Watershed Conditions Statement for the Lakehead Region including: City of Thunder Bay, Municipalities of Neebing, Oliver Paipoonge, Shuniah and the Townships of O’Connor, Conmee, Gillies and Dorion.
Minimal precipitation is expected over the next five days; however, above freezing temperatures are forecast during the day and overnight which will result in the continued melting of the above average snowpack remaining in the upper watershed.
Area watercourses that declined after last weekends precipitation have begun to rise again in response to the melting of the above average snowpack in the upper watershed. High flows are being recorded on the Kaministiquia River, which is expected to continue to rise over the weekend. Widespread flooding is not anticipated; however, fast flowing water and flooding in low lying areas and roadways may be expected in flood prone areas.
The public is advised to pay attention to local forecasts. Exercise caution in and around area waterways, which may be experiencing high flows with slippery unstable banks that could be dangerous. Parents and caregivers are advised to keep children away from all waterways and discuss the hazards of cold fast flowing water. Additionally, never drive through a flooded road.
A Watershed Conditions Statement regarding Water Safety is issued to advise of unsafe conditions, such as fast flowing water and slippery banks. Authority Staff will continue to monitor conditions as part of its flood forecasting and warning program. Additional messages will only be sent out if warranted.
