Sault Ste. Marie / Blind River District – Rydal Bank Dam/Thessalon River

Ministry of Natural Resources Bulletin – Released Tuesday, April 29, 2025

The Ministry of Natural Resources – Sault Ste. Marie/Blind River District is advising area residents that a Flood Watch is in effect in the District until Tuesday, May 6th, 2025 at 12:00pm. A flood watch indicates that a potential for flooding exists.

  • Residents within the Thessalon River watershed are advised that river conditions should be monitored closely as water levels can change very quickly with runoff from the recent melting and rainfall events.

The Ministry is closely monitoring the Rydal Bank Dam and Thessalon River water levels. Water levels are high but currently below critical levels. Snow melt and rainfall have the potential to raise water levels. Further updates will be issued as appropriate.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Description of Weather System

Daytime temperature expected to reach 16°C this afternoon. Expecting cloudy conditions with a 40% chance of showers and potential for thunderstorms. Daytime highs of 7°C-8°C expected over the next three days, with nighttime lows remaining above freezing. Sunny conditions expected on Wednesday followed by rainy conditions with approximately 10mm forecasted for Thursday and 1mm forecasted for Friday.

Description of Current Conditions

Water levels and stream flows across the District are elevated from spring snow melt and recent precipitation events. Water levels on the upper side of Rydal Bank Dam and the Thessalon watershed have begun to drop however downstream conditions have risen.

Snowpack in the upper watershed coupled with forecasted warm temperatures and precipitation will increase water levels and flows.

Currently water levels and flows are below flood critical threshold parameters, but the Rydal Bank Dam is at emergency preparedness levels. Risks may include fast moving frigid water with rapidly changing conditions. A close watch on local forecasts and conditions is recommended.

LEARN MORE

Steve Acorn
Sault Ste. Marie – Blind River District Office
705-943-0389, steve.acorn@ontario.ca

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