Conservation Authority Issues Safety Reminder: Stay Away from Watercourses (media release, December 31, 2022)
The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) reminds the public to exercise extreme caution and stay away from all watercourses and water bodies during the current snowmelt and rain. With schools closed over the holiday period, caregivers are reminded to keep children and pets away from watercourses.
Banks adjacent to rivers and creeks are very slippery and, when combined with cold, fast-moving water, pose a serious hazard. Flood control reservoirs are especially dangerous due to fluctuating water levels.
Most of the snow on the ground has melted and this water is running off into watercourses. The Upper Thames River watershed has received 15-30 mm of rain since Friday evening, which is further adding to the runoff making its way to streams and rivers.
The UTRCA expects streams and rivers to peak in upstream areas (e.g., Mitchell, Woodstock) this evening, and move towards London in the early hours of tomorrow. Water levels will remain elevated over the remainder of the weekend and into next week. Serious flooding is not expected.
The UTRCA’s flood control reservoirs at Fanshawe, Wildwood, and Pittock Conservation Areas are being operated to reduce downstream flooding. UTRCA officials are monitoring the situation, and will report on any changing conditions.
- See Thames River water levels and flows
- Types of flood bulletins
- Find out how the UTRCA manages floods
Contact: Teresa Hollingsworth, Manager, Community and Corporate Services