Flood watch issued

All the rain in the forecast has prompted the North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority to issue a Flood Watch.

Officials expect 35 to 55mm of rain and that will add to the spring melt bringing flooding to area rivers and streams.

The rain is expected to move across northeastern Ontario tonight, continuing tomorrow and Friday, before leaving the province later on the weekend.

Officials say Chippewa Creek, Parks Creek and smaller watercourses will rise more quickly during the next couple of days.

Lake Nipissing’s level has been rising but it is not expected to flood.

Officials say ice conditions are already hazardous and conditions will become even worse wherever creeks or rivers enter lakes.

Meantime, snow depth is well above the long term average for this time of year.

It’s down by about 8 cm from the last reading but is still averages out at the three reading stations in the area to more than five times the long term average for this time of year.

The depth varies from 35 cm in Corbeil to close to 59 in Chisholm.

(Photo of Chippewa Creek at Airport Road, Wednesday April 17th – courtesy NBMCA on Facebook)