WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT – WATER SAFETY
Issued April 12, 2019 at 3:20 pm; Valid until: April 16, 2019
Current forecasts are indicating 5 to 10 mm of rainfall beginning this afternoon, followed by a strong Texas low pressure system moving quickly through southern Ontario on Sunday and overnight into Monday, potentially bringing 20 to 40 mm of rain to the Upper Thames watershed. Should this rain materialize, the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority expects water levels to rise to near bank full conditions with flooding in some low lying flood plain areas, similar to levels experienced earlier this spring.
While serious flooding is not anticipated, water levels will rise and remain elevated into early next week. Flood Coordinators should monitor flood prone areas as low lying flood plains may become inundated.
The public is reminded to exercise extreme caution. Banks adjacent to rivers and creeks are very slippery and, when combined with cold, fast-moving water, pose a serious hazard. Parents are encouraged to keep their children and pets away from all watercourses.
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.
Thames River water level information
Contact: Eleanor Heagy, Communications Specialist
Types of Flood Bulletins:
- Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety — Issued during periods of minor flooding to report on general watershed conditions to flood coordinators, and to remind the general public of general river safety issues
- Watershed Conditions Statement – Flood Outlook — Issued to provide early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts calling for heavy rain, snow melt, high winds or other conditions that could result in high runoff
- Flood Watch — issued when the potential for flooding exists within specific watercourses and municipalities
- Flood Warning — issued when flooding is imminent or occurring within specific watercourses and municipalities