Watershed Update – March 19, 2024
- Generally, snow depth and water content conditions for this time of year are below normal. Water content variances are 19.6% to 83.0% below normal through the entire Upper Mattagami Watershed.
- Current forecasts over the coming week show daytime temperatures ranging from -11°C to +2°C over the next 5 to 7 days with no major weather systems expected.
- Inflows across the Upper Mattagami watershed increased near the beginning of March due to warmer than average temperatures along with some rain.
- Inflows are currently holding at slightly higher than normal levels but are anticipated to decrease with the onset of cooler weather. Reservoir drawdowns were slowed by an increase in inflows but are anticipated to continue to draw with a forecasted reduction in inflows. The exception to the drawdown is at Mesomikenda where some logs were replaced to begin a gradual rebuild.
- The enclosed portions of Town Creek and Crawford Creek are being closely watched by Authority and Municipal staff.
- The Authority’s Flood Contingency Plan has been distributed to watershed stakeholders.
- The next Update will be issued on or about April 3.
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View OPG River System Data / Water Levels and Flow
If you have any questions or comments, please contact the Conservation Authority at 705-360-2660 or via email at [email protected]
See our Upper Mattagami River Watershed Statistics page to download the current watershed statistics and for the full list of reports for 2024.
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. Updates will be issued until such time any flood threat has passed.