Thames River and Local Watercourses Still Elevated (flood bulletin, February 19-22, 2022)
Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety
Issued February 19, 2022 at 12:00 pm; Valid until February 22, 2022
Winter conditions have returned to the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) watershed after the mid-week warmer weather and rainfall. Throughout the watershed, the melting snow and rain caused ponding, standing water, and localized flooding in low lying areas and areas of poor drainage.
Water levels in local ditches, creeks, and streams rose quickly and some spilled their banks. Water levels are now gradually dropping on these smaller local watercourses. The Thames River has also peaked, and is now gradually dropping. The UTRCA expects water levels to remain elevated through the holiday weekend.
The public is reminded to exercise extreme caution and stay off all water bodies. Any ice cover will be weakened and unstable. Flood control reservoirs are especially hazardous due to fluctuating water levels. Smaller rural watercourses have been drifted in by snow in places, which can hide potentially hazardous conditions. Banks adjacent to rivers and creeks are very slippery and, when combined with cold, fast-moving water, pose a serious hazard. Parents are reminded to keep children and pets away from all watercourses and off of frozen water bodies.
The UTRCA flood control reservoirs at Fanshawe, Wildwood, and Pittock Conservation Areas are being operated to reduce any downstream flooding. UTRCA officials are monitoring the situation, and will report on any changing conditions if necessary.
Contact: Eleanor Heagy, Communications Specialist