| WATERSHED CONDITIONS BULLETIN - Sept. 28, 2011 |
|
Re: WATERSHED CONDITIONS BULLETIN – September 28, 2011 Water levels and flows in watercourses across the Mississippi Valley watershed remain very low due to continued dry conditions throughout the month of September. While some areas across the watershed have met the conditions for a Level 1 Low Water Response declaration, the main branch of the Mississippi River has remained fairly constant due to the augmenting of downstream flows from the Crotch Lake reservoir. The forecasted rainfall over the next few days will not likely improve conditions as it will take significant rainfall to return area waterways to normal levels. The annual fall drawdown of the upper lakes will commence after the Thanksgiving long weekend. This will provide some additional flows in the lower portion of the watershed, but the system will not return to what would be considered “normal” conditions without precipitation. The prolonged dry conditions over the course of the summer have caused several small streams and wetland areas to be dry. This will impact both the plants and animals in those areas particularly if conditions persist into the winter. This is a natural process that can only be mitigated by rainfall. Area residents and industries are urged to conserve the use of water at all times of the year especially during dry conditions such as what we have experienced this year. MVC strongly recommends residents follow the Level 1 Low Water Response request for a voluntary reduction of water usage by 10 percent. Residents are advised to use caution when venturing out on area waterways as additional shoals or other obstacles in the water may be exposed due to the lower water levels. Find tips on conserving water and daily water levels and flows on the MVC website at www.mvc.on.ca. The Mississippi Valley Conservation low water response program monitors weather conditions, river flows and water levels and issues watershed conditions bulletins as required. |