Less Rain Measured than Forecast, but Water Levels Still Rising (flood bulletin, March 23-27, 2023)
FLOOD WATCH – UPDATE
Issued March 23, 2023, at 3:30 p.m.; Valid until March 27, 2023
Over the past 24 hours, 5-10 mm of rain fell over the Upper Thames River watershed. This rain, combined with warm temperatures and melting snow, is causing water levels to rise. At this time, most of the snowpack south of Highway 7 has been depleted, with only some drifts and forested areas still retaining snow. North of Highway 7, the snowpack continues to melt.
The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) does not expect serious flooding at this time. Water levels will continue to rise throughout the day today, peaking late tonight and into tomorrow. Traditional low-lying floodplain areas may be inundated. Water levels should recede through the day Friday. An additional 15-20 mm of rain are forecast for Saturday, which may bring levels back up to near the peaks of late today/early tomorrow. Peak levels are expected to be similar to events earlier this year. Water levels will remain elevated over the weekend and into early next week.
Municipal staff should continue to monitor areas with drainage problems and low-lying flood prone areas for potential road and recreational trail closures.
The UTRCA’s flood control reservoirs at Fanshawe, Wildwood, and Pittock Conservation Areas are at seasonal levels and are being operated to reduce downstream flooding. UTRCA officials are monitoring the situation and forecasts closely and will update this bulletin if required.
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 remaining ice cover will be weakened and unstable. Flood control reservoirs are especially hazardous due to fluctuating water levels.
As water levels rise, it is not safe to take shelter along riverbanks or in low lying areas that are prone to flooding.