WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT – WATER SAFETY / FLOOD OUTLOOK
(Issued January 24, 2020 at 12:30 pm; Valid until: January 27, 2020)
Temperatures have risen above freezing and are forecast to remain just above freezing for much of the weekend, including overnight. Along with these positive temperatures, 15-25 mm of total rain is forecast over today and tomorrow. Precipitation gauges (Environment Canada and Conservation Authority) indicate approximately 15 mm of water equivalent has accumulated in the snowpack prior to today. Ground conditions are generally wet and/or frozen.
The combination of rain and positive temperatures will consolidate the snowpack, and may generate some runoff, particularly if the higher rainfall amounts are received. No significant flooding is anticipated at this time; however, low lying flood prone areas may become inundated with the higher rainfall amounts.
Residents are reminded to use extreme caution near all rivers, streams, ditches, ponds, and flood control reservoirs, and to keep children and pets away. Streambanks are slippery, the water is very cold, and any ice may be unstable.
The UTRCA’s flood control reservoirs at Fanshawe, Wildwood and Pittock Conservation Areas, although still returning to seasonal levels after runoff earlier in the month, have flood storage available and will be operated to reduce downstream flooding.
UTRCA officials are monitoring the situation, and will report on any changing conditions if necessary.
See Thames River water level information
Contact: Eleanor Heagy, Communications Specialist