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Upper Mattagami Watershed Statistics March 20, 2023 Update 150 150 MRCA

Upper Mattagami Watershed Statistics March 20, 2023 Update

Watershed Update – March 20, 2023

  • Generally, snow depth and water content conditions for this time of year are below normal, with one site slightly above normal. Water content variances are 61% to 80.4% below normal through the entire Upper Mattagami Watershed, with one site slightly above at 104.7%.
  • Current forecasts over the coming week show daytime temperatures ranging from -7°C to +4°C over the next 5 to 7 days with no major weather systems expected.
  • Inflows across the Upper Mattagami River watershed are relatively stable at this time and slightly above normal. Winter drawdown of Mesomikenda is complete while Mattagami and Peterlong is underway.
  • 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 updated and will be distributed to watershed stakeholders the week of March 20, 2023.

The next Update will be issued on or about April 3.

Sign up to have flood alerts sent to your email address.

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 2023.

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.

Upper Mattagami Watershed Statistics March 3, 2023 Update 150 150 MRCA

Upper Mattagami Watershed Statistics March 3, 2023 Update

Watershed Update – March 3, 2023

  • Generally, snow depth and water content conditions for this time of year are below normal. Water content variances are 71% to 93% below normal through the entire Upper Mattagami Watershed.
  • Current forecasts over the coming week show daytime temperatures ranging from -8°C to +2°C over the next 5 to 7 days with no major weather systems expected.
  • Inflows across the Upper Mattagami River watershed are relatively flat at this time and slightly above normal. Winter drawdown of Mesomikenda is nearing completion while Mattagami and Peterlong is underway.
  • The enclosed portions of Town Creek and Crawford Creek are being closely watched by Authority and Municipal staff.
  • The Authority’s Flood Contingency Plan is being updated and will be distributed to watershed stakeholders in March.

The next Update will be issued on or about March 20.

Sign up to have flood alerts sent to your email address.

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 2023.

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.

Bridge to Bridge Trail Section Closed Permanently 150 150 MRCA

Bridge to Bridge Trail Section Closed Permanently

The section of the Bridge to Bridge Trail connecting Gillies St. and Algonquin Blvd. is being closed permanently at the request of the property owner. Effective October 14, 2022, the MRCA will no longer be maintaining this section of the trail. Trail users are asked to use the road side along Gillies St., Poplar Ave., Fogg St. N and Algonquin Blvd. to connect back to the Mountjoy Historical Conservation Area.

The Bridge to Bridge Trail is a looped trail beginning in the Mountjoy Historical Conservation Area that follows the west side of the Mattagami River north to the Lafleur Bridge and then back south along the east side of the river. A large portion of the trail uses the roadsides of Norman Street and Airport Road to link the maintained trail sections.

Upper Mattagami Watershed Statistics May 18, 2022 Update 150 150 MRCA

Upper Mattagami Watershed Statistics May 18, 2022 Update

Watershed Update – May 18, 2022

  • The snow course sampling sites were absent of snow and the consensus among the surveying organizations is that no further snow course sampling is expected.
  • Current forecasts over the coming week show daytime temperatures ranging from +11°C to +23°C with 20mm of precipitation expected over the next 5 to 7 days.
  • Generally, inflows across the Upper Mattagami River are declining. Upstream reservoirs continue to build, with all reservoirs now having reached the summer minimum elevation.

Further updates will be issued as required.

Sign up to have flood alerts sent to your email address.

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 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.

Upper Mattagami Watershed Statistics May 3, 2022 Update 150 150 MRCA

Upper Mattagami Watershed Statistics May 3, 2022 Update

Watershed Update – May 3, 2022

  • Generally, snow depth and water content conditions for this time of year are above normal. Water content variances are ~154% to ~325% above normal through the entire Upper Mattagami Watershed.
  • Current forecasts over the coming week show daytime temperatures ranging from +13°C to +22°C with minimal precipitation expected over the next 5 to 7 days.
  • Generally, elevations and flows at Mesomikenda, Mattagami Lake, Wawaitin and Peter Long are increasing. Inflows are higher than normal for this time of year as a result of recent warming temperatures and snow melt. Storage reservoirs are being managed in consultation with the Timmins Flood Advisory Committee in an attempt to ‘peak shave’ and mitigate high water concerns in Timmins.
  • Town Creek, Crawford Creek and other area watercourses are ice-free and flowing well. All watercourses will continue to be closely watched by Authority and Municipal staff. Stream flows and water levels continue to be monitored on a daily basis.

The next update will be issued on or about May 16, 2022.

Sign up to have flood alerts sent to your email address.

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 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.

Upper Mattagami Watershed Statistics April 19, 2022 Update 150 150 MRCA

Upper Mattagami Watershed Statistics April 19, 2022 Update

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.

Upper Mattagami Watershed Statistics April 5, 2022 Update 150 150 MRCA

Upper Mattagami Watershed Statistics April 5, 2022 Update

Watershed Update – April 5, 2022

  • Generally, snow depth and water content conditions for this time of year are above normal. Water content variances are 110% to 202% above normal through the entire Upper Mattagami Watershed.
  • Current forecasts over the coming week show daytime temperatures ranging from 0°C to +9°C with minimal precipitation expected over the next 5 to 7 days.
  • Winter drawdown of Mesomikenda Lake is complete, and the Lake is set up to gradually begin building as inflows increase over the coming weeks. Drawdowns at Mattagami Lake and Peterlong Lake are nearing completion. With current dam set ups, elevations are expected to hold near the bottom of the operating ranges until inflows begin to increase in the coming weeks. Current inflows are relatively flat and beginning to increase slightly with the warmer temperatures and mixed precipitation received.
  • The enclosed portions of Town Creek and Crawford Creek are being closely watched by Authority and Municipal staff.

The next update will be issued on or about April 18.

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.

Upper Mattagami Watershed Statistics March 17, 2022 Update 150 150 MRCA

Upper Mattagami Watershed Statistics March 17, 2022 Update

Watershed Update – March 17, 2022

  • Generally, snow depth and water content conditions for this time of year are above normal. Water content variances are 133% to 164% above normal through the entire Upper Mattagami Watershed.
  • Current forecasts over the coming week show daytime temperatures ranging from 0°C to +9°C with minimal precipitation expected over the next 5 to 7 days.
  • Winter drawdown of Mattagami Lake and Peterlong Lake is ongoing, while drawdown of Mesomikenda Lake is nearing completion. The dams are set up to continue drawdown or hold at the bottom of the range until refill begins in the coming weeks. Inflows are relatively flat and slightly below normal at most sites.
  • The enclosed portions of Town Creek and Crawford Creek are being closely watched by Authority and Municipal staff.
  • The Timmins Flood Advisory Committee (TFAC) will hold its first meeting Monday March 21, 2022.

If you have any questions or comments, please contact the Conservation Authority at 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.

You can sign up to receive emailed flood messages directly by providing your email address.

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.

Upper Mattagami Watershed Statistics March 3, 2022 Update 150 150 MRCA

Upper Mattagami Watershed Statistics March 3, 2022 Update

WATERSHED UPDATE – MARCH 3, 2022

  • Generally, snow depth and water content conditions for this time of year are above normal. Water content variances are 116.4% to 171.0% above normal through the entire Upper Mattagami Watershed.
  • Current forecasts over the coming week show daytime temperatures ranging from -11°C to -2°C with approximately 20-25 cm of precipitation expected over the next 5 to 7 days.
  • Winter drawdown of Mesomikenda, Mattagami Lake and Peterlong is ongoing. The dams are currently set up to continue drawdown until refilling begins in the coming weeks. Inflows were lower than normal leading into winter due to lack of precipitation in the fall and are currently at or slightly below normal.
  • The enclosed portions of Town Creek and Crawford Creek are being closely watched by Authority and Municipal staff.
  • The Authority’s Flood Contingency Plan was distributed to watershed stakeholders in late February.

The next update will be issued on or about March 17.

If you have any questions or comments, please contact the Conservation Authority at 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.

You can sign up to receive emailed flood messages directly by providing your email address.

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.

Local trails get a boost from Lake Shore Gold Corp. a subsidiary of Pan American Silver 150 150 MRCA

Local trails get a boost from Lake Shore Gold Corp. a subsidiary of Pan American Silver

Residents of Timmins will see some much needed upgrades to local recreational trails this summer thanks to Lake Shore Gold Corp. a subsidiary of Pan American Silver. A $29,600.00 donation was presented to the Wintergreen Fund for Conservation on behalf of employees of Lake Shore Gold. The funds will be used for work along the Bridge to Bridge, Golden Springs and Lion’s Walk Trails.

“Outdoor recreation is a huge part of living in the north,” says Marcel Cardinal, Director of Environment and Sustainability at Lake Shore Gold Corp. “It is important to maintain these outdoor facilities which are part of our northern culture and play such an important part in the mental health of our employees and the people in our community. Lake Shore Gold is proud to be partnered with the Wintergreen Fund for Conservation to assist the Mattagami Region Conservation Authority in providing a sound trail system throughout the City of Timmins.”

The Wintergreen Fund for Conservation raises funds to support the work of the Mattagami Region Conservation Authority (MRCA) in maintaining a 55 km trail system, which connects the four conservation areas and extends from the Mattagami River to Porcupine Lake. They provide a network of non-motorized recreational trails for all residents to enjoy the outdoors and nature. The MRCA notes that the donation comes at an opportune time. Over the past year, when people have been limited to activity outdoors, the trails have been well used by thousands of walkers and cyclists.

“We are grateful for this generous donation from Lake Shore Gold,” says Mark Joron, Chair of the Wintergreen Fund for Conservation. “The trail system is very valuable to our community, and the maintenance can become very costly. Donations like this allow the MRCA to proceed with the larger repair projects that are needed.”

In 2020, the MRCA completed a trail user survey. The responses helped to identify improvements to the trail system and areas that need repairs. Work supported by the Lake Shore Gold donation has begun and will include trail widening and resurfacing, culvert replacement, raising low-lying areas and the addition of bear-proof garbage bins and new directional signage. Improved signage was a common request, so this year sign updates will begin throughout the trail system.