(Update from the Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority)
Flood warning – Severe flooding expected across the Mississippi Valley Watershed; Carp River has peaked and is beginning to drop
April 17, 2019 —
The Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority is issuing an update to the FLOOD WARNING for the entire MISSISSIPPI RIVER watershed issued April 20, 2019. A band of rain hit the western portion of the watershed last night with rainfall amounts in excess of 30 mm. Water levels in those areas rose dramatically overnight and continue to increase at this time. Severe flood levels are expected be reached at numerous locations:
Mazinaw Lake / Little Marble and Marble Lakes– levels increased by approximately 30 cm overnight and are expected to increase another 5 to 10 cm over the next 24 hours. Confidence in the overall increase amounts in that area is low due to the uncertainty of the total amounts of rainfall received. Outflows from Mazinaw Lake increased sharply overnight and severe flooding is expected or occurring on Little Marble and Marble Lakes. Water levels are expected to peak tomorrow and begin dropping by mid-week. Areas downstream of these lakes will see levels and flows pick up quickly over the next 48 hours.
Crotch Lake to High Falls – flows out of Crotch Lake are expected to continue to steadily increase over the next 48 hours and will then pick up quickly as the water from the upper lakes reach Crotch lake. Flows in Antoinne and Cranberry Creeks should begin to drop today so levels in the Snow Road area should be stable for the next 48 hours. They are expected to increase again as the water from the upper sub-basins reaches this area.
Dalhousie Lake – over the next 24 hours levels are expected to increase 5 to 10 cm from this morning’s elevation of 157.77 m, matching levels reached in 2017 and 1998. Levels should remain stable until Tuesday.
Mississippi Lake – levels increasing 10 – 15 cm above today’s current elevation of 135.47 m. Levels are expected to be close to those experienced in 1998. Peak levels are expected to be reached Tuesday or Wednesday of next week and will remain at or near those levels over the next 5 days. Increased flows from the upper portion of the watershed should be matched by the anticipated drop in flows from the Clyde and Fall River watersheds.
Mississippi River downstream of Mississippi Lake – flows are expected to continue to increase throughout the weekend. Elevations will vary due to the topography of the shoreline of the river. All residents along the river should keep a close watch on levels and take necessary precautions to protect their property.
Clyde and Fall Rivers – flows are still increasing but are expected to peak later today or early tomorrow They will remain high for the next few days.
Indian and Carp Rivers – flows on the Indian and Carp Rivers have peaked and are beginning to drop. Flows are expected to be below flood stage by the middle of the week. The FLOOD WARNING is terminated for these rivers.
Parents are encouraged to remind their children about hypothermia and the dangers of playing on or near ice covered surfaces or fast flowing water in ditches and smaller creeks. They are also reminded to keep their pets away from the same areas. Residents are strongly urged to stay off all ice covered waterways.
Residents in flood prone or low lying areas, historically susceptible to flooding, should take the necessary precautions to protect their property, such as:
- Ensuring sump pump is clear, in good working condition and has a backwater valve on it
- Portable backup generator and/or battery pump
- Ensuring downspouts are clear and the outlet is at least 3 m from the dwelling
- Removing or securing items that might float away as flows increase
- Removing valuable items from basements or lower floors that could be subject to flooding
- Keep emergency phone numbers handy
- Familiarize yourself with your municipality’s emergency preparedness plan
Note: MVCA does not supply sand or sandbags. Residents should check with their local municipality to determine if supplies are provided or where they can be purchased.
Daily water levels and flows are available on the MVCA website at www.mvc.on.ca. Updates to the watershed conditions will be issued as required.
This FLOOD WARNING is in effect until April 23, 2019 and will be updated at that time unless the forecast or conditions change.
The Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority flood forecasting and warning program staff monitors weather conditions, snowpack water content, operatesdams to help mitigate flooding, estimates expected river flows and water levels and issues flood advisories or warnings as required. MVCA provides early warning and continuous monitoring to municipal and provincial emergency response personnel through a flood event.