Spring Melt Conditions Continue (flood bulletin, February 21-23, 2022)
Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety
Issued February 21, 2022 at 2:00 pm; Valid until February 23, 2022
The Upper Thames River basin experienced some melting and compaction of the snow pack from last week’s rain and above zero temperatures, before a return to cold temperatures and snow this past weekend.
A Texas low pressure system is forecast to travel across southern Ontario Tuesday and Wednesday, bringing above freezing temperatures and rainfall. As the storm arrives on Monday evening, there is a risk of freezing rain or drizzle over most of southern Ontario.
On Tuesday, any freezing rain will transition over to rain as temperatures rise to well above freezing for most of southern Ontario, and possibly into the low double digits in southwestern Ontario. 15-20 mm of rain is expected, though there is some uncertainty of the track and strength of the system at this time and the rainfall accumulations.
The current snowpack contains the same or more water than in the past survey (conducted February 15, reporting 60-80 mm snow water equivalent). Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) staff will conduct a supplemental snow survey Tuesday morning to confirm the condition of the snow pack. This flood bulletin message may be updated tomorrow according to the survey results.
The UTRCA expects water levels to rise again, potentially to similar levels as seen last week, depending on the quantity of liquid precipitation received. A return to cold temperatures later on Wednesday will temper the melting process.
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’s flood control reservoirs at Fanshawe, Wildwood, and Pittock Conservation Areas are at seasonal levels and will be 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