Flood warning issued in Sault Ste. Marie-Blind River District

A flood warning went into effect for the Sault Ste. Marie-Blind River District on Sunday night, meaning flooding is imminent or already occurring.

“Residents throughout the district, especially those located in the Goulais River watershed area, should keep a close watch on water conditions and stay away from fast-moving rivers and streams,” the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources in a news release around 6 p.m. April 20.

“Residents within the Goulais River watershed are advised that river conditions should be monitored closely as water levels can change very quickly with runoff from recent melting and forecasted rainfall events.”

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The area has been under a flood watch for the last week.

Rain is expected throughout the day Monday with a total rainfall of 15-20 mm.

At the time of publication, the temperature is 4 C but feeling like 0 C with the windchill.

The temperature is forecasted to reach a high of 6 C around 6 p.m. and drop to 2 C overnight.

“Daytime temperatures will reach highs of 6 C over the next two days and then increase to 10 C and greater with positive temperatures prevailing overnight,” the MNR said.

“This pattern is expected to accelerate the ongoing melting and runoff.”

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Water levels are high in the area due to the spring snowmelt and recent rain.

“The depth of snowpack throughout the district remains high, especially in areas lying north of Goulais River and Searchmont,” the ministry said.

“Snowpack measurements indicate depths of approximately 66 cm, with an average water equivalent exceeding 200 mm in the northern portion of the watershed.”

While the Goulais River levels are currently below flood-critical thresholds, they continue to rise.

“Risks may include fast-moving frigid water with rapidly changing conditions,” the MNR said.

“Localized flooding in low-lying areas with a history of flooding are a possibility.”

• Ontario flood map