The Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forests has again issued a flood warning for the Goulai River. Water levels are now above the flood limit and floods are already occurring in low-lying areas. Residents of Sault Ste. Marie is advised to avoid fast moving water and to be informed about water conditions. For more information, see the press release below. The Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forests (NDMNRF) – Sault Ste. Marie County is advising locals that a flood warning for the Goulai River is still in effect. Residents within the Goulai River Basin are being informed that water levels are now above flood limits and that floods are already occurring in some low-lying areas along the river. Residents of Sault Ste. The Marie District should closely monitor water conditions, check regularly for updates, and stay away from fast-moving rivers and streams. The Ministry is closely monitoring the weather and developing the watershed conditions. Further updates will be issued on a case by case basis. Technical information Weather system description The Environment Canada forecast forecasts colder weather on Easter weekend with high daytime highs of 1 ° to 4 ° C and overnight temperatures of -1 ° to -5 ° C. The temperatures during the day will rise again on Tuesday, but with the night temperature remaining below zero degrees. About 5 mm of rain is currently forecast between Monday and Tuesday. The latest local snow survey for the Goulai River Basin shows an ongoing snow cyst with an average depth of 47 cm representing approximately 180 mm of water equivalent. This water equivalence is well above the annual average for this time of year. Description of current conditions Water levels and stream flows throughout the area are significantly increased by the continuing spring snowmelt and recent rainfall events. The projected warm temperatures and rainfall will further accelerate the melting of snow and ice in local bodies of water, causing additional runoff and increasing levels and flows. Risks may include significant ice degradation and rapidly moving cold water with rapidly changing conditions. In addition to the dangerous ice conditions in the water bodies of the area, there may also be local flooding in low altitude areas with a history of flooding. Careful monitoring of local forecasts and conditions is recommended. Residents within the Gulai River Basin are informed that some areas within the floodplain have reached critical flood levels. Expiration date This message will be valid until (or will be notified before): Friday, April 22, 2022, 12:00 a.m. LEARN MORE The public website of the Surface Water Monitoring Center www.ontario.ca/flooding Environment Canada Newsletters: www.weather.gc.ca/ Careful monitoring of local conditions and weather forecasts by Environment Canada is recommended.
