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Upper Mattagami Watershed Statistics March 17, 2021 Update 150 150 MRCA

Upper Mattagami Watershed Statistics March 17, 2021 Update

WATERSHED UPDATE – MARCH 17, 2021

  • Generally, snow depth and water content conditions for this time of year are below normal. Water content variances are 43% to 90% below normal through the entire Upper Mattagami Watershed.
  • Current forecasts over the coming week show daytime temperatures ranging from -3°C to +12°C over the next 5 to 7 days with no major weather systems expected.
  • Winter drawdown of Mesomikenda, Mattagami Lake, and Peter Long are complete or near-complete. The dams are set up to hold reservoirs at the current elevation or begin a gradual refill in the coming weeks where appropriate, based on current snow values and above-seasonal temperatures. Wawaitin GS (Kenogamissi) will be drawn in the coming weeks as per normal practice in anticipation of the spring melt.
  • The enclosed portions of Town Creek and Crawford Creek are being closely watched by Authority and Municipal staff.
  • The Timmins Flood Advisory Committee (TFAC) held its first meeting on March 15, 2021 via video conference.

The next update will be issued on or about April 1, 2021.

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 2021.

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, 2021 Update 150 150 MRCA

Upper Mattagami Watershed Statistics March 3, 2021 Update

WATERSHED UPDATE – MARCH 3, 2021

  • Generally, snow depth and water content conditions for this time of year are below normal. Water content variances are 25% to 55% below normal through the entire Upper Mattagami Watershed.
  • Current forecasts over the coming week show daytime temperatures ranging from -11°C to +5°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. Higher than normal inflows earlier in the winter have transitioned to relatively normal values at current. Wawaitin will be passing inflows until March 15th.
  • The enclosed portions of Town Creek and Crawford Creek are being closely watched by Authority and municipal staff.
  • The Authority’s Flood Contingency Plan 2021 was distributed to watershed stakeholders in late February.

The next update will be issued on or about March 16.

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 2021.

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.

Wintergreen Fall Hiking Month Contest Winners 2020 150 150 MRCA

Wintergreen Fall Hiking Month Contest Winners 2020

The Wintergreen Fund for Conservation’a Fall Hiking Contest has come to an end.

Like everything else in 2020, our Fall Hiking Day had a different look this year. We were not able to hike as a group this year due to social distancing restrictions, so some creativity was required.

By hosting a “virtual hike” throughout the month of October, participants were able to enjoy the local trails, join at their own convenience and be entered into a draw for some great prizes. Participants had to walk the MRCA trails and take a selfie at 5 of 12 identified locations. The photos were then posted on social media with the tags #hikemrca and #wintergreenconservation. A draw took place at the end of the month and 3 winners were selected from all the entries. From the feedback received, even avid local hikers found new trails that they were not familiar with.

Entries can be seen on Facebook or Instagram #wintergreenconservation. Winners can be seen on the Wintergreen Events page.

We look forward to continuing with our hiking days as soon as we are able to, so stay tuned for Winter 2021.

Trail Notifications and Closures 150 150 MRCA

Trail Notifications and Closures

UPDATE-July 28, 2020

ALL trails are re-opened.

UPDATE-July 9, 2020

Bart Thomson Trail between Station Street and Deadman’s Point has been opened.

UPDATE-July 7, 2020

Bart Thomson Trail is still closed.
Bridge to Bridge Trail: rough patches behind ESC Theriault and TH&VS.
Rotary Trail: rough trail on sloped areas.

UPDATE-June 29, 2020:

The Scout Rock Trail has been re-opened. Some area still have smaller wash-outs, however the trail is passable.

Due to the heavy rains over the past 2 days, most of the MRCA trails have experienced major washouts and damage.

Bart Thomson Trail Closure:

The section of trail from the White Waterfront Park through to Northern College is CLOSED. Many sections of the Bart Thomson Trail around Porcupine Lake have also had major washouts. Residents are asked not to use the trail at this time.

Scout Rock Trail Closure:

The section of trail between Denise Park and McLean Drive is closed due to rain damage.

GENERAL TRAIL NOTIFICATION:

  • Bridge to Bridge Trail: Gillies Street access, behind ESC Theriault and TH&VS, along with the Airport Road area have all received substantial damage.
  • Scout Rock Trail: Behind the hospital has washed out areas.
  • Gillies Lake Trail: Low lying areas have water damage.
  • Rotary Trail: Some sections blocked off due to major washouts.
  • Golden Springs: Low lying areas are flooded.

Crews will be out repairing areas over the next couple weeks.

Harmful Practice of Feeding Wildlife 150 150 MRCA

Harmful Practice of Feeding Wildlife

Feeding ducks and geese might seem like a fun and kind thing to do, but many people don’t realize that it can lead to severe negative consequences, both for the birds and for the environment. for more information about the harmful effects on waterfowl, wildlife and our local environment, see our Feeding Wildlife page. 

Strategic Plan 2020-2023 150 150 MRCA

Strategic Plan 2020-2023

The Board of Directors and staff of the Mattagami Region Conservation Authority completed our first strategic planning exercise throughout 2019. This information will guide our activities and decisions over the next 4 years.

Mattagami Region Conservation Authority Vision: A healthy, safe and sustainable environment.

Mattagami Region Conservation Authority Mission: We manage the conservation, protection and restoration of our watershed.

Our Goals

  • Protect People and Property
  • Connect People to Nature
  • Strive for Organizational Excellence
  • Inspire Watershed Champions

Read our summary of the MRCA Strategic Plan 2020-2023 here.

Upper Mattagami Watershed Statistics May 19 Update 150 150 MRCA

Upper Mattagami Watershed Statistics May 19 Update

WATERSHED UPDATE – MAY 19, 2020

  • Generally, water content conditions for this time of year are above normal through the entire Upper Mattagami Watershed. The higher levels of water content are primarily due to the fact that there is still some snow present and it is being compared to historical normals for this time of year. The higher levels of water content should not present any issues as the freshet progresses.
  • Daytime temperatures are expected to range from +22°C to +26°C over the next 7 days. No significant precipitation is expected over the next 7 days.
  • Local area creeks, including Town and Crawford Creek, are in good shape and flowing well.

Further updates will be issued as required.

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 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. Updates will be issued until such time any flood threat has passed.

Upper Mattagami Watershed Statistics May 4 Update 150 150 MRCA

Upper Mattagami Watershed Statistics May 4 Update

WATERSHED UPDATE – MAY 4, 2020

  • Generally, snow depth and water content conditions for this time of the year are above normal. Water content variances are ~160% to ~368% above normal through the entire Upper Mattagami Watershed.
  • A general freeze-thaw cycle is expected where overnight temperatures are forecast to remain below freezing over the next 7 days. Daytime temperatures are expected to range from 0°C to +9°C over the next 7 days.
  • Winter drawdown of Mesomikenda, Mattagami Lake, Wawaitin and Peter Long have been completed, and where possible, these reservoirs have been drawn lower than normal in preparation for the snowmelt. As a result of the recent rain and snowmelt conditions, inflows are higher than normal for this time of year and storage reservoirs are being managed in consultation with the Flood Advisory Committee in an attempt to “peak shave” and mitigate high water concerns in the City of Timmins.
  • Town Creek, Crawford Creek and other area watercourses are 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 Timmins Flood Advisory Committee has been meeting regularly to review current conditions. Currently, there is Flood Warning messaging for the Mattagami River. This Flood Warning will remain in effect until May 8, 2020 and then re-evaluated based on current conditions.
  • OPG River System Data / Water Levels and Flow – www.opg.com/river

The next update will be issued on or about May 15, 2020.

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 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. Updates will be issued until such time any flood threat has passed.

Upper Mattagami Watershed Statistics April 16 Update 150 150 MRCA

Upper Mattagami Watershed Statistics April 16 Update

WATERSHED UPDATE – APRIL 16, 2020

Below, you will find the latest Watershed Statistics Update for 2020.

  • Generally, snow depth and water content conditions for this time of the year are above normal, except for the Mattagami and Gogama snowcourse stations, which are slightly below normal at 98.0% and 88.1% respectively. Water content variances, for the other stations are 124.1% to 160.0% above normal through the rest of the Upper Mattagami Watershed.
  • A general freeze-thaw cycle is expected over the next week as nighttime temperatures drop below 0°C. Current forecasts show minimal precipitation with no major weather systems expected over the coming week. Daytime temperatures are expected to range from -3°C to +7°C over the next 7 days.
  • Winter drawdown of Mesomikenda, Mattagami Lake, Wawaitin and Peter Long have been completed, and where possible, these reservoirs have been drawn lower than normal over the winter in preparation for freshet. As a result of the recent rain and snowmelt, we have seen some of these reservoirs begin to build, and inflows are about normal for this time of year. Storage reservoirs are being managed in consultation with the Timmins Flood Advisory Committee.
  • Local area creeks, including Town and Crawford Creek, are in good shape.
    Town Creek and Crawford Creek are being closely watched by Authority and Municipal staff for the potential of ice damming.
  • OPG River System Data / Water Levels and Flow – www.opg.com/river
  • The next Update will be issued on, or about May 1.

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 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. Updates will be issued until such time any flood threat has passed.

Upper Mattagami Watershed Statistics April 2 Update 150 150 MRCA

Upper Mattagami Watershed Statistics April 2 Update

WATERSHED UPDATE-APRIL 2, 2020

Below, you will find the latest Watershed Statistics Update for 2020.

  • Generally, snow depth and water content conditions for this time of the year are above normal, except for the Porcupine and Shillington snowcourse stations, which are normal and slightly below, respectively. Water content variances, for the other stations are 113.6% to 157.4% above normal through the rest of the Upper Mattagami Watershed.
  • Current forecasts show minimal precipitation with no major weather systems expected over the coming week. Daytime temperatures are expected to range from 0°C to +10°C over the next 7 days.
  • Winter drawdown of Mesomikenda, Mattagami Lake, Peter Long and Wawaitin are complete and reservoirs are being held near the bottom until the onset of freshet.
  • Local area creeks, including Town and Crawford Creek, are in good shape. Town Creek and Crawford Creek are being closely watched by Authority and Municipal staff for the potential of ice damming.
  • The Timmins Flood Advisory Committee will commence teleconference meetings April 2.
  • The next Update will be issued on or about April 15, 2020.

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 Report page to download the current watershed statistics 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.