Goulais River residents urged to keep an eye on water levels

Residents in the Goulais River watershed were being advised tonight that river conditions should be monitored closely as water levels can change quickly if forecast rainfall amounts are met or exceeded.

That's according to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry for Sault Ste. Marie/Blind River District, which says a "flood outlook" statement is now in effect for the Goulais River.

A low pressure weather system today into Friday is expected to bring 25 to 35 mm of rain to Goulais watershed area, the MNRF said.

Temperatures are expected to stay above seasonal with daytime highs of 6C to 14C.

"There is a below seasonal average of snow pack remaining within the northern reaches of the Goulais watershed," the MNRF said in a release. "Warm temperatures and rain will continue to melt the remaining vestiges of snow pack in the area."

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Water levels and stream flows across the region are "moderately elevated" from snow melt and recent precipitation, the MNRF said.

Warm temperatures and rain will accelerate melting of the remaining snowpack in the north parts of the watershed producing additional runoff, the MNRF added.

Currently water levels and flows for the river are below flood critical threshold parameters, the MNRF said. 

However, residents were being advised that some low-lying areas may reach "near flood critical levels" if the forecasted rain exceeds predicted amounts.

The frozen ground has a reduced ability to absorb this rainfall.

"Risks may include fast moving cold water with rapidly changing conditions. Localized flooding in low lying areas with a history of flooding are a possibility," the MNRF said.