Due to increasing lake, river, and creek levels, the Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources, and Forestry is advising residents of a Watershed Conditions Statement - Flood Outlook that will be in effect until May 13, 2022.
They advise that residents in the Kenora, Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls, Dryden, Oxdrift, and surrounding areas exercise extreme caution around less travelled roads, bridges, water-crossings, lakes, and rivers. They say that water levels in these areas and in portions of the district are extremely high.
Water levels may continue to rise throughout the week due to record-setting precipitation received during the month of April, combined with runoff from melting snow, as temperatures increase over the course of the coming week.
The Ministry is closely monitoring the weather and developing watershed conditions. Further updates will be issued as appropriate.
Exceptionally high levels of precipitation during the month of April, combined with melting snow, have resulted in high streamflow conditions. Water levels across the district are approaching maximum outflows. Water levels on the Eagle and Wabigoon systems will continue to rise over the coming week as precipitation and snowmelt continue to make their way through the systems.
Southern portions of the Kenora District are already experiencing flooding in several locations. Outflows from Lake of the Woods will continue to increase next week as flows from Fort Frances District and portions of northern Minnesota that drain into the Winnipeg River drainage system move north. Water levels on the Winnipeg River in particular are expected to rise significantly over the course of the next week.
A Watershed Conditions Statement – Flood Outlook gives early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts calling for heavy rain, snowmelt, high winds, or other conditions.