Watershed Update – April 19, 2022
- Generally, snow depth and water content conditions for this time of year are above normal. Water content variances are 100% to 174% above normal through the entire Upper Mattagami Watershed.
- Current forecasts over the coming week show daytime temperatures ranging from +2°C to +12°C with minimal precipitation expected over the next 5 to 7 days.
- Winter drawdown of all OPG reservoirs has been completed. Water levels at upstream storages are currently building slowly due to recent warmer temperatures and precipitation. Where possible, reservoirs were drawn lower than normal in consideration of higher than normal snow amounts and in anticipation of the continued snowmelt and potential precipitation. Wawaitin GS (Kenogamissi) elevation is currently in the lower part of the operating range in preparation for freshet. Continued inflow increases are anticipated over the coming weeks as freshet progresses.
- Open areas of Town Creek, Crawford Creek and other area watercourses are flowing well. All watercourses will continue to be closely watched by Authority and Municipal staff. The enclosed portions of Town Creek and Crawford Creek are being closely watched by Authority and Municipal staff for potential blockages.
The next update will be issued on or about May 2, 2022.
Sign up to have flood alerts sent to your email address.
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 2022.
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.