Watershed Update-March 3, 2020
Please find below the first Watershed Statistics Update for 2020.
- Generally, snow depth and water content conditions for this time of year are above normal. Water content variances are 106.6% to 183.7% above normal through the entire Upper Mattagami Watershed.
- Current forecasts show scattered flurries over the coming week with daytime temperatures ranging from -13°C to +1o°C over the next 5 to 7 days with no major weather systems expected.
- Winter drawdown of Mesomikenda, Mattagami Lake, and Peter Long are ongoing. The dams are currently set up to continue drawdown until refilling begins in April. Relatively normal inflows have persisted throughout the winter. Wawaitin will be passing inflows until March 15, 2020.
- The enclosed portions of Town Creek and Crawford Creek are being closely watched by Authority and Municipal staff.
- The Authority’s new Flood Contingency Plan is currently being updated and will be distributed to watershed stakeholders within the next two weeks.
- The next Update will be issued on or about March 16.
- If you have any questions or comments, please contact the Conservation Authority at 705-360-2660.
See our Upper Mattagami River Watershed Statistics Report page to download the current watershed statistics report and for the full list of reports for 2020.
The information contained in this update has been gathered by Ontario Power Generation, the Ministry of Natural Resources & Forestry and the Mattagami Region Conservation Authority. The summary highlights dam operations and storages as well as snow depth and water content in comparison to historical norms. Watershed surveys will be conducted on the 1st and 15th of each month until the snow cover has disappeared.