Watershed Conditions Statement - Water Safety

Chapleau Wawa District

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry – Chapleau Wawa District is advising area residents that a Watershed Conditions Statement - Water Safety has been issued for the district until Tuesday, April 16, 2024.

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 strong low-pressure system (“Texas Low”) is forecast to move across the province Thursday through Friday, bringing a significant amount of rain to the Northeastern Region.

Moderate to heavy rain is forecast to continue on Friday, Apr 12th. An additional 15 mm to 25 mm can be expected at the areas north of the French River-Lake Nipissing up to Kapuskasing-Moosonee line.

The rain will gradually taper off early Saturday Apr 13th, as the system exits Ontario and moves into Quebec.

In total, due to the passage of the system, up to 50 mm of rain could be expected within the Northeast Region of Ontario Thursday through Friday. As the system moves out of the province, northwesterly winds at 40 to 45 km/hr are expected from early Saturday (Apr 13th) morning until noon over the lower Great Lakes.

Description of Current Conditions

Water levels and flows in local watercourses are within the low-to-average range for this time of year. The grounds are generally wet resulting from the recent precipitation. Under such circumstances, the forecast rain will produce moderate to high runoff. Although no widespread flooding is expected at this time, water levels and flow in rivers and lakes will increase, and flooding in low-lying areas and areas with poor drainage is possible.

A close watch of local weather forecasts, special weather statements and warnings is recommended.

This message will be in effect until (or updated before) noon on Tuesday, April 16th, 2024.

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.

LEARN MORE

• Surface Water Monitoring Centre public webpage www.ontario.ca/page/surface-water-monitoring-centre
• Environment Canada bulletins: www. weather.gc.ca
• A close watch on local conditions and weather forecasts from Environment Canada is recommended.