Forecast Rain will Impact Water Levels over the Remainder of the Week (flood bulletin, January 2-6, 2023)

WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT – WATER SAFETY

Issued January 2, 2023 at 3:30 pm; Valid until January 6, 2023

A slow moving Colorado Low is forecast to move through southern Ontario over the next three days, bringing continued above freezing temperatures for most of the region, and rain for southwestern Ontario. Forecasts call for 20-40 mm of rain in the Upper Thames River watershed over Tuesday and Wednesday, with higher totals predicted in the southern half of the watershed. The ground conditions are saturated and water levels are already above normal.

The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) expects water levels in streams and rivers will respond to the forecast rain with runoff totals similar in magnitude to the event of last week. If the higher precipitation forecasts materialize, some traditional low-lying flood plain areas that were not flooded over the past weekend may be inundated from this event, due to saturated ground conditions and already elevated water levels. The UTRCA expects water levels to be elevated over the remainder of the week but does not expect serious flooding at this time.

The UTRCA’s flood control reservoirs at Fanshawe, Wildwood, and Pittock Conservation Areas are at seasonal levels and will continue to be operated to reduce downstream flooding. UTRCA officials are monitoring the situation and will report any changing conditions.

Residents are reminded to use extreme caution near all watercourses and caregivers are reminded to keep children and pets away from watercourses. Stream banks can be slippery and unstable and the water is extremely cold, fast-moving, and higher than normal. Any ice cover will be weakened and unstable. Flood control reservoirs are especially hazardous due to fluctuating water levels.

Contact: Teresa Hollingsworth, Manager, Community and Corporate Services