Ministry of Natural Resources – Flood Warning Flood WarningSault Ste. Marie / Blind River District Wednesday, April 15, 20264:30 PM The Ministry of Natural Resources – Sault Ste. Marie/Blind River District is advising area residents that a Flood Warning is in effect for the District until Wednesday, April 22, 2026 at 12:00 pm. Residents throughout the District, should keep a close watch on water conditions, and stay away from fast-moving rivers and streams. Parts of some watersheds within the district are currently experiencing some minor flooding including sections along the Blind River downstream from Duborne Lake, and along the Potomac River. Water levels are also high and rising along sections of the lower Mississagi, Thessalon, and Goulais Rivers. Water levels in area waterbodies are expected to rise further due to runoff from recent melting and forecasted rainfall events. The Ministry is closely monitoring the weather and developing watershed conditions. Further updates will be issued as appropriate. TECHNICAL INFORMATION Description of Weather System Higher than average temperatures are forecast to prevail for the remainder of the week. Daytime temperatures will range between +10 to +16°C with temperatures of +3 to +10°C overnight. Precipitation starting Friday night and into Saturday may bring 15-20 mm of rain. This pattern is expected to accelerate the rate of ongoing snow melt and runoff. Description of Current Conditions Water levels and stream flows across the region are elevated from recent spring snow melt and precipitation events. The depth of the remaining snowpack throughout the District remains high with measurements indicating depths ranging from 50 to 75 cm. These values are above the long-term average and increase the likelihood of above normal runoff due to melting. Risks in general may include fast moving frigid water with rapidly changing conditions. Localized flooding in low lying areas with a history of flooding are a possibility. A close watch on local forecasts and conditions is recommended. 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 and Climate Change Canada is recommended. Roland SzyskaSault Ste. Marie – Blind River District Office705-992-3488roland.szyska@ontario.caontario.ca/mnr