Flood Forecasting
Flood Warning System
The Lakehead Region Conservation Authority operates a Flood Warning System to alert Municipal Representatives, media, Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry and other affected organizations of potential riverine flooding within the area of jurisdiction of the LRCA.
If you witness flooding within the LRCA's area of jurisdiction, please call us at (807) 344-5857. If you are calling after hours, the answering service will direct the information to applicable staff.
UPLOAD AN IMAGE OF FLOODING IN YOUR AREA
Flood Messaging Terminology
NORMAL |
Conditions are within normal limits. No flooding is expected. |
WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT - WATER SAFETY |
High flows, unsafe banks, melting ice or other factors could be dangerous for recreational users such as anglers, canoeists, hikers, children, pets, etc. Flooding is not expected. |
WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT - FLOOD OUTLOOK |
Early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts calling for heavy rain, snow melt, high wind or other conditions. |
FLOOD WATCH |
Indicates that there is the potential for flooding within specific watercourses and municipalites. |
FLOOD WARNING |
Indicates that flooding is imminent or occurring within specific watercourses and municipalities. |
FLOOD WARNING SYSTEM FACT SHEET
FAQ REGARDING RIVERINE FLOODING
Its Goal
To reduce the risk of loss of life, injury and property damage due to flooding through the issuance of flood messages and information to those that may be at risk and to those agencies and individuals that respond to the flood event.
Note: The Flood Warning System operates most effectively with significant rainfall events with at least 12 hours forecast time. It is not designed to predict flood warnings as a result of high intensity, short duration thunderstorms.
Overview | |
Prevention |
Providing flood risk information to municipal planners and the general public to promote proper land use planning and regulation of new and existing development on flood plains thus preventing or reducing flood risks to people from living and/or working in flood prone areas. |
Protection |
In order to protect against flooding, CAs have constructed and maintain protective infrastructure such as dams and dykes or purchased lands located in hazardous areas. In the past, both the provincial and federal governments have contributed to these projects (i.e. Neebing-McIntyre Floodway). |
Emergency Preparedness & Response |
It is imperative that existing flood risks are understood and that floods are forecasted to the extent possible. Understanding flood risk and providing advance warnings is critical to allow municipalities to prepare and implement plans which allow quick response to emergency situations created by flooding. |
Our Responsibilities
Conservation Authorities, in cooperation with local municipalities and the province, play a significant role in the protection of life and property from natural hazards such as flooding. In Ontario, Conservation Authorities (CAs), the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) and Environment Canada are responsible for monitoring weather and flood conditions. Together, we
- Monitor and collect data related to rainfall, snow depth/water equivalent, ice conditions and antecedent moisture conditions.
- Monitor forecasted weather and runoff to predict the flows of rivers and streams within the LRCA area of jurisdiction.
- Issue Flood Watch / Warning messages to Municipalities, partners and News Media within the LRCA area of jurisdiction.
- Promote and participate in the development of Emergency Plans with our Member Municipalities.
- Interact with Provincial and Municipal Officials during an event to notify key individuals or agencies.
Every effort is made to update this website, however, individuals are advised to listen to media for news bulletins and pay attention to conditions in their local area.
Daily Monitoring
The staff of the LRCA monitors weather forecasts at a minimum of twice daily. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry Surface Water Monitoring Centre issues weather maps to Conservation Authorities and Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry offices twice daily, which predicts expected precipitation as well as an estimate as to how much rain or snowmelt is required in 24 hours for flash flooding. LRCA staff assesses the weather forecasts along with local conditions and issue Flood Messages as warranted.
Streamflow and received precipitation are monitored at various monitoring sites throughout the LRCA area of jurisdiction. Streamflow and levels on various streams can be remotely monitored from the LRCA office. Received precipitation is also remotely monitored from the LRCA office, as well as through a volunteer network of rain gauges throughout the area. See the streamflow and precipitation gauge locations.
The Authority is also a member of the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network (CoCoRaHS) which is a non-profit, community based network of volunteers who take daily measurements of rain, hail and snow in their backyards. All collected data is available on-line at www.cocorahs.org/canada. If a member of the public is interested in joining the network, LRCA staff can assist with obtaining a rain gauge and registration.
Twice a month from November until May LRCA staff conduct snow surveys at our three historical snow survey locations (Hazelwood, Pennock Creek (off Vibert Road) and McVicar Creek). Snow depth and weight are recorded and forwarded to the MNRF as part of the Flood Forecasting Program. See the snow survey location area map.