Ministry of Natural Resources Mushkegowuk Council

Moosonee Office Government Building PO Box 190 ON P0L 1Y0

FLOOD WATCH

ISSUE DATE: May 7, 2013 TIME: 1600 h

THIS FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FOR THE FOLLOWING AREAS:

The communities of Fort Albany & Kashechewan and surrounding areas

Recent Observations:

A surveillance flight on the was conducted today by MNR and the following was observed;

There are ice jams adjacent the communities of Fort Albany and Kashechewan in the main river at this time and minor back up of water is causing the access to and from the mainland at Fort Albany to become inundated. These ice jams are a result of the remaining ice on the Albany and Kenogami Rivers breaking up and advancing down river. The ice accumulation that is presently drifting down river extends from the mouth of the Albany River on the Kashechewan side (north channel) to the “Albany Forks” or the junction of Albany and some 120 miles away. The drifting accumulated ice is not very compact or dense and is moving only at a moderate intensity. Water levels remain at moderate levels on the river as indicative of the guage chart below.

…2

-2-

The tail end of the ice accumulation will surpass the guage location today and we do not anticipate a significant increase in water levels and flows at the guage location. Our main concern at this point is the amount of ice accumulation coming down river. This ice may amass and jam at the communities and cause back up of water consequently leading to nuisance to considerable flooding issues in the communities.

The Stooping River, a nearby tributary has broken up and is clear of ice to the main river. Similarly, the “Ghost River” and numerous other tributaries are open and flowing into the Albany.

Local Flood Response Coordinators are advised to keep a close watch on local river conditions as the water levels and flows will begin to increase significantly indicating approaching ice break up at our respective river monitoring stations. There is a high risk for ice jam related flooding and over- bank flooding to occur.

Albany and Kenogami River junction – “the forks” – Albany to the right.

Ice flowing by Kashechewan

…3

-3-

ENVIRONMENT WEATHER FORECAST: (Moosonee)

Tonight: Cloudy Low +8°C

Wednesday: Cloudy High +10ºC** Low -6°C

Thursday: Sun/cloud High +1ºC Low -10°C

Friday: Sunny High +2ºC Low -6°C

Saturday: Sunny High +11ºC Low -3°C

Sunday: Sunny High +9ºC Low -3°C

** Temperature falling to -3 ºC in the PM

WATER LEVEL & FLOW REPORTS FROM SURFACE WATER MONITORING CENTRE:

STATION: ALBANY RIVER at HAT ISLAND

DATE (2013): May 4 May 5 May 6 May 7

LEVEL (m): 4.91 5.03 4.80 5.18

FLOW: (cm/s) 3945 4173 3906 4470

STATION: ALBANY RIVER AT FISHING CREEK

DATE (2013): May 4 May 5 May 6 May 7

LEVEL (m): 1.60 1.21 1.23 1.30

STATION: ALBANY RIVER AT NOTTIK ISLAND

DATE (2013): May 4 May 5 May 6 May 7

LEVEL (m): 24.12 24.17 24.25 24.44

FLOW: (cm/s) 203 213 231 2.76

…4

-4-

COMMENTS:

River surveillance flights from MNR and Mushkegowuk will commence Wednesday May 8th for Attawapiskat River.

A Flood Watch indicates that there is the potential for flooding within specific watercourses, First Nation communities and municipalities.

Prepared by:

Ken Corston Leonard Kapashesit Area Technician Emergency Management Services Coordinator Ministry of Natural Resources Mushkegowuk Council Moosonee Office, Cochrane District Moose Factory, ON Tel: (705) 336-2987 Ext. 237 Tel: (705) 658-4222 Fax: (705) 336-2983 Fax: (705) 658-4250 [email protected] Cell: 1-705-336-8420 [email protected]