The Ministry of Natural Resources – Dryden Fort Frances Atikokan District is advising area residents that a Flood Watch is in effect in the District until Wednesday, April 30, 2025 at 17:00 hrs.

Residents in the Dryden, Wabigoon, Fort Frances, Mine Centre, Emo, Rainy River, Atikokan, Sapawe and surrounding areas throughout the District should keep a close watch on upcoming weather forecasts and local water conditions. Residents should also exercise caution around less traveled roads, lakes, rivers and areas of high potential run-off.

The ministry is closely monitoring the weather and developing watershed conditions. Further updates will be issued as appropriate.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Description of Weather System

A large, warm southerly flow is forecast to move into Ontario today.

Very unsettled conditions are developing across the Northwest Region as a warm front enters Ontario and meets a cold front in the far north. Potential rainfall amounts of 15mm to 25 mm expected from Rainy Lake as far south as Wawa and Sault Ste. Marie.

The daytime temperature forecast 10°C to 15°C, with lows near 10°C in southern Northwest.

Description of Current Conditions

Levels and flows are beginning to rise due to warming temperatures and melting snow in Northwest Region, primarily on the East side of the District. Modelled snow water equivalent amounts range anywhere from 5 to 100+ mm of snow water equivalent. Increasing flows and rotting river ice, and ice jams are possible.

Flooding in low-lying areas can be expected, and those areas currently experiencing high water levels or flooding can expect these conditions to continue. A close watch of local weather forecasts, special weather statements, and warnings is recommended.

This message will be in effect until (or updated before) Wednesday, April 30th, 2025 at 17:00 hrs.

DEFINITIONS

• WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT – WATER SAFETY: indicates that high flows, melting ice or other factors could be dangerous for such users as boaters, anglers and swimmers but flooding is not expected.
• WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT – FLOOD OUTLOOK: gives early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts calling for heavy rain, snow melt, high winds or other conditions
• SHORELINE CONDITIONS STATEMENT – WATER SAFETY: indicates that along the Great Lakes shorelines high water, melting ice or other factors could be dangerous but flooding is not expected.
• SHORELINE CONDITIONS STATEMENT – FLOOD OUTLOOK: gives early notice of the potential for flooding along the Great Lakes shorelines based on weather and lake conditions, and water safety information.
• FLOOD WATCH: potential for flooding exists within specific watercourses and municipalities
• FLOOD WARNING: flooding is imminent or occurring within specific watercourses and municipalities.

LEARN MORE

Surface Water Monitoring Centre public webpage www.ontario.ca/page/surface-water-monitoring-centre

Environment Canada bulletins: www. weather.gc.ca

A close watch on local conditions and weather forecasts from Environment Canada is recommended.