Northern Ontario authorities warn of potential spring flooding

Conservation authorities in northern Ontario are warning of possible spring flooding due to rising water levels. This is caused by warm temperatures and recent rainfall melting snow. The North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority issued a flood outlook last week. They noted that while water levels are increasing, the overall flood risk is low for now. Angela Mills, a water resources specialist, explained that flooding could happen in some local creeks and rivers affected by snowmelt, but it's minimal at this time. The Sudbury and Sault Ste. Marie Conservation Authorities have also released warnings. They advise residents to keep their distance from rivers and creeks as a precaution. Carl Jorgensen, the general manager of Conservation Sudbury, shared that water levels are slightly above the long-term average in some areas. However, soil is still mostly frozen, meaning it cannot absorb the extra water. He emphasized that they are closely monitoring urban areas of Junction Creek, particularly near Garson and Kelly Lake, where conditions could change.