A flood prospect is in place for Sault Ste. Marie County, the Department for Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry (NDMNRF) said in a press release issued today. Residents are reminded to closely monitor water and ice conditions, as well as to regularly check for up-to-date meteorological forecasts and stay away from fast-moving rivers and streams. For more information, see the full version below. The Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forests (NDMNRF) – Sault Ste. Marie County advises locals that a River Basin Conditions Statement – Flood Outlook is in effect for the District. Residents of Sault Ste. The Marie District should closely monitor water and ice conditions, check regularly for up-to-date weather forecasts and stay away from fast-moving rivers and streams. The NDMNRF closely monitors the weather and develops the catchment conditions. Further updates will be issued on a case by case basis. technical information Description of the weather system The high temperatures during the day today and Saturday will remain just above zero with traces of mixed rainfall and the night temperatures from -5 to -10 degrees Celsius (oC). The current colder weather will give way to a trend of rising temperatures from Sunday which will see the highest levels of the day reach between 5 and 9 oC and with the nighttime highs remain above zero until the end of next week. . These projected milder temperatures are likely to lead to rapid snowmelt and significant runoff during this time period. The latest local snow survey shows an ongoing snow cyst representing approximately 224 mm of water equivalent. This water equivalence is above the annual average for this time of year. Description of current conditions Water levels and stream flows throughout the area are moderately elevated due to continued spring snowmelt and recent rainfall. The predicted high temperatures and rainfall will begin to accelerate the melting of snow and ice in local bodies of water, producing additional runoff and increasing levels and flows. Risks may include significant ice degradation, possible ice blockages, and rapidly moving cold water under rapidly changing conditions. In addition to the dangerous ice conditions in the water bodies of the area, there may also be local floods in areas with poor drainage. Careful monitoring of local forecasts and conditions is recommended. EXPIRATION DATE This message will be valid until (or will be updated before): Friday, April 8, 2022, 12 p.m. TERMINOLOGY: Alert level definitions
STATEMENT OF WATER CONDITIONS – FLOOD: warns in time of the possibility of flood based on the weather forecast that requires heavy rain, snowmelt, strong winds or other conditions DECLARATION OF OPERATING CONDITIONS – WATER SAFETY: indicates that high flows, ice melting or other factors may be dangerous to users such as boats, fishermen and swimmers, but no flooding is expected. LOOD WATCH: there is a possibility of flooding in specific water currents and municipalities FLOOD WARNING: Flood is imminent or occurs in specific watercourses and municipalities.
