THUNDER BAY — There's still lots of snow left to melt in the countryside around Thunder Bay.
In fact, the Lakehead Region Conservation Authority says its snow-depth survey has found the highest-ever recorded levels for the beginning of May.
On May 2, it measured depths between 26 and 76 centimetres at various locations, compared with the normal average of just two to eight centimetres for this time of year.
In addition, the snow's water content measured from 90 to 327 millimetres compared with the usual amount of only five to 30 millimetres.
Local climatologist Graham Saunders notes that at Thunder Bay Airport a record total of 183 mm of snow and rain fell in April.
That's 442 per cent more than normal.
In a Watershed Conditions Statement issued Tuesday, the LRCA said forecasts for the next five days indicate no additional precipitation, but double-digit temperatures and possible showers by Monday could create high flows and unstable banks along area rivers and streams.
It said most gauged watercourses have peaked but they are expected to experience high levels for a prolonged period.
In the city, the Neebing-McIntyre Floodway continues to divert water from the Neebing River into the floodway channel, the first time the diversion has occurred in the past five years.
