MNRF: Watershed Conditions Statement
Watershed Conditions Statement - Flood Outlook Chapleau Wawa District
Wednesday, September 06, 2023 10:00 a.m.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry – Chapleau Wawa District, is advising area residents that a Watershed Conditions Statement - Flood Outlook has been issued for the district until Friday, September 08, 2023. Residents in the Chapleau Wawa District area should keep a close watch on conditions and exercise caution around rivers and streams. Please alert and monitor any children under your care to possible dangers and supervise their activities. The ministry is closely monitoring the weather and developing watershed conditions. Further updates will be issued as appropriate.
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Description of Weather System
A low-pressure system with an associated cold front is moving across the Northeast Region
today, bringing rain and scattered thunderstorms for much of the region. Forecasted
amounts of precipitation range from 20 mm to 40 mm with an additional 15 mm to 25 mm in
local moderate thunderstorms. There is also a potential for severe thunderstorms in areas
west of Timmins. Heavy downpours, hail and strong wind gusts can be expected in the
thunderstorms. An additional 5 mm to 20 mm of rain in the region can be expected tomorrow, Thursday,
September 7th, before the system gradually exits the region to the southeast by the evening.
Description of Current Conditions
Flows and water levels are currently within normal summer ranges across the Northeastern
Region. The forecast rain, combined with isolated thunderstorms of high intensity (if they
develop), will produce significant amounts of localized runoff and elevate water levels. As a
result, some areas may experience an increased risk of overland flow. Flooding in low-lying
areas and areas with poor drainage is also possible.
The development of thunderstorms is hard to predict, and there is high uncertainty about the location and intensity of storm cells that may develop.
A close watch of local weather forecasts, special weather statements and warnings is recommended.
DEFINITIONS
• 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. • 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.
• SHORELINE CONDITIONS STATEMENT – WATER SAFETY: indicates that along the Great Lakes shorelines high water, melting ice or other factors could be dangerous but flooding is not expected.
• SHORELINE CONDITIONS STATEMENT – FLOOD OUTLOOK: gives early notice of the potential for flooding along the Great Lakes shorelines based on weather and lake conditions, and water safety information.
• FLOOD WATCH: potential for flooding exists within specific watercourses and municipalities
• FLOOD WARNING: flooding is imminent or occurring within specific watercourses and municipalities.