Watershed Update – May 14, 2026
- Snow course information gathered this week indicates that the snow cover is bare and scattered. 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.
- Water levels on the upper Mattagami River remain higher than normal. Continued snow melt has contributed to sustained high inflows and upstream reservoirs (Mesomikenda, Mattagami, Peterlong, & Wawaitin – Kenogamissi) are at or expected to reach summer minimum elevations by this weekend (Victoria Day). With warmer temperatures expected over the weekend, snow melt is expected to taper off, and inflows are expected to continue to decline slowly. The watershed remains vulnerable to precipitation, and weather forecasts over the next several days are variable. Flows through the City of Timmins are being managed in collaboration with the Timmins Flood Advisory Committee in an attempt to balance water levels on reservoirs upstream, and mitigate flood impacts through the City.
- Current forecasts over the coming week show daytime temperatures ranging from +14°C to +23°C with varied precipitation expected over the next 5 to 7 days.
- Further updates will be issued as required.
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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 2026.
The information contained in this update has been gathered by Ontario Power Generation, the Ministry of Natural Resources 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.