Update on water conditions in and around West Nipissing

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry has downgraded the flood warning for the West Nipissing area to watershed conditions statement.

The advisory says the ice strength above West Nipissing Power Generation’s Dam at Sturgeon Falls and above Ontario Power Generation’s facility at Crystal Falls on the Sturgeon River may have been compromised from higher water levels over the last 24 hours creating unsafe conditions and flexing ice.

It is recommended that people stay off of the ice at this time but flooding is not expected.

Ontario Power Generation says facilities on the Sturgeon River have returned to normal operations following a reduction in water flow yesterday at two control dams upstream of Crystal Falls Generating Station.

The reduction in flow was necessary in order to assist another dam operator on the River in mitigating mechanical issues.

West Nipissing Police remind people to check the ice conditions in and around the Upper Sturgeon River ahead of time to wear a floatation suit and have ice picks on hand as well as a cell phone.