Conservation Authority advises Caution around Watercourses (media release, January 24, 2024)
With warmer temperatures and rain in the forecast, the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) reminds the public to exercise extreme caution and stay off all frozen water bodies, and to keep children and pets away from rivers, streams, ponds, and ditches. Any ice cover will be weakened and unstable. Flood control reservoirs will be especially hazardous due to fluctuating water levels. Banks adjacent to rivers and creeks are very slippery and, when combined with cold, fast-moving water, pose a serious hazard.
It is not safe to take shelter along riverbanks or in low lying areas that are prone to flooding.
The rain and warmer temperatures forecast will begin to melt the snowpack and generate runoff into local streams and rivers. The UTRCA expects waterways to peak in upstream areas (e.g., Mitchell, Stratford, Woodstock) late Thursday night, and to peak in the London area on Friday morning.
The UTRCA does not expect serious flooding at this time, but water may spill over the banks in areas known to traditionally flood in the spring. Water levels will remain elevated over the weekend and into next week.
The UTRCA will operate its flood control reservoirs at Fanshawe, Wildwood, and Pittock Conservation Areas to reduce downstream flooding.