Conservation Sudbury has issued a Flood Watch for the lower Junction Creek (downstream of Kelly Lake), the Onaping River (Dowling area) and the Vermilion River (Dowling, Chelmsford and parts of Walden). For all other watercourses in Greater Sudbury, Water Safety messaging is being maintained.
Both statements remain in effect until 10 a.m. April 30.
Environment Canada's forecast for the rest of the week calls for warm temperatures nearing 13 C with light precipitation.
“A significant amount of the snowpack within the City of Greater Sudbury has melted over the past week, however the upper reaches of the Vermilion River and the
Onaping river watersheds still have snowpack with significant water content,” Conservation Sudbury said in a release. “Current water levels and flows on all watercourses in these watersheds are already elevated and will remain high for some time to come.”
The neighbourhoods adjacent to Mud, Simon and McCharles lakes are near the point where Junction Creek flows into the Vermilion River. Similarly, Dowling is where the Onaping and Vermilion Rivers join.
“Flows are high in all of these watercourses and a backwater effect often occurs where they meet,” the release said. “High water levels are already being experienced on shoreline properties.”
Conditions must be closely monitored by all residents, especially those living in low-lying, hazard areas where overland flooding could become an issue. Residents who experience problems due to overland runoff or flooding should call 311.
“Public safety is absolutely the No. 1 priority, especially for children who may be attracted to the edge of creeks or rivers,” the release said. “The cold, fast flowing water must be avoided. Stream banks will be very slippery and unsafe, and must be avoided. Open water areas often found at the edges of ice-covered lakes will continue to widen and these must also be avoided.”
Conservation Sudbury is in direct contact with Greater Sudbury and all other partners and will continue monitoring water levels. Updates will be provided as required.
For more information, visit ConservationSudbury.ca
