**MATTAGAMI REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY NEWS RELEASE**

* Generally, snow depth and water content conditions for this time of the year are above normal.  Water content variances are ~250% to ~450% above normal through the entire Upper Mattagami Watershed.

 

* A general freeze-thaw cycle is expected where overnight low temperatures may remain just above freezing over the next 5 to 7 days.  10mm of rain is possible over the weekend for some areas of the watershed.  Daytime temperatures are expected to range from +6oC to +14oC over the next 5 to 7 days. 

 

* Winter drawdown of Mesomikenda, Mattagami Lake, Wawaitin and Peter Long have been completed, and where possible, these reservoirs were drawn lower than normal over the winter in preparation for the snowmelt. As a result of the recent rain and snowmelt conditions, we have seen some of these reservoirs begin to build, and inflows are higher than normal for this time of year. 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 now mostly ice-free and 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 on a daily basis to review current conditions.  Currently, there is Flood Warning messaging for the Mattagami River and Porcupine Lake.  This Flood Warning will remain in effect until May 3rd, and then re-evaluated based on current conditions. 

 

*   The next Update will be issued on or about May 15th.

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