Brief yet heavy rains this fall have put more water into the Lake Nipissing and Mattawa River watersheds than normal.

Public Works Canada reports that precipitation at the French River Dams station for September was 111% of the monthly average in the first three weeks.

Lake Nipissing's water level is 12 centimetres above its average level for this time of year and the inflows, as of Monday, are also above the long term average.

But Brian Tayler, manager of the North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority, said the conditions are “not anywhere near problematic” as far as flooding goes.

“We're up a bit above average for rainfall for sure,” Tayler said, noting that the 44 millimetres of rain last Friday and Saturday did get some streams and creeks moving.

The soil tests, however, show that the area could take more than twice that much — 96 mm over 24 hours — before “flash flooding” would be expected.

The Weather Network forecast for the next four days shows mostly clear skies and sunshine, with only a 70% chance of scattered showers Sunday evening.

Clear weather with above average temperatures will help the Chippewa Creek EcoPath, which has a cleanup session planned for Saturday morning 9 a.m. to noon.

People interested in volunteering to clear weeds and debris are meeting at the Hammond and John streets area.

“The EcoPath shows us what happens when community comes together,” said Sue Buckle, communications supervisor for the conservation authority. “We have 10 individuals and groups who have adopted portions of the creek to clean up and care for and there are a number of groups assisting with tree planting to prevent erosion.”

It was established in partnership between the conservation authority, City of North Bay, Heritage Gardeners, Nipissing Botanical Gardens with the support of the North Bay Indian Friendship Centre and funding from RBC Blue Water Project.

“We also have a new stream-study curriculum for Grade 9 and a website that’s seeing a lot of interest,” said Buckle.

For information visit www.chippewaecopath.ca or follow on social media @ChippewaEcoPath or facebook.com/ChippewaCreekEcoPath