Flood warning issued for Goulais River in Sault Ste. Marie – Blind River District

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) is advising area residents that a flood warning is in effect for the Goulais River beginning Thursday.

"Residents of the Sault Ste. Marie – Blind River District area should keep a close watch on water conditions, regularly check for updated messages and stay away from fast-moving rivers and streams," the ministry said in a news release.

"Residents within the Goulais River Watershed are advised that ice jams are a possibility and that river conditions should be monitored closely as water levels can change very quickly if ice jams occur."

Officials said the current trend of warm temperatures will continue with a predicted high of 20°C April 11 and the third-day forecast indicating daytime highs between 17-19°C for Friday to Saturday and nighttime temperatures between 7-8°C. Additionally, 15-20 mm of rain is predicted for Sunday.

"These forecasted milder temperatures alone and in combination with any precipitation events will result in rapid snow melt and significant run-off during this time period," the release said.

"The latest local snow survey for the Goulais River watershed shows a continuing snowpack of 65 cm average depth representing approximately 186 mm of water equivalent."

MNRF officials said this water equivalency is 145 per cent above the average for this time of year.

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Risks may include significant degradation of ice, possible ice jams, and fast-moving cold water with rapidly changing conditions. In addition to unsafe ice conditions on area waterbodies there may also be localized flooding in low-lying areas with a history of flooding.

"A close watch on local forecasts and conditions is recommended," the release said.

The release indicates the warning will remain in effect until 10 a.m. on April 17 unless updated before that time.

More details on MNRF’s Flood Forecasting and Warning Program can be found here.