Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety
Issued March 8, 2019 at 14:30 pm; Valid until March 13, 2019

Temperatures in the Upper Thames River watershed are forecast to rise above freezing during the day on Saturday, and remain above freezing until Sunday night.  The watershed is also forecast to receive 15 to 25mm of rain Saturday night. There is currently an estimated 20 to 40mm of water equivalent remaining in the snowpack, on average. The snowpack will consolidate over the weekend and begin to release water, and will continue to do so until below freezing temperatures return Sunday night.  Above freezing temperatures and rain are forecast to return again later in the week.

The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority does not expect major flooding, but streams may rise to similar levels as experienced at the beginning of February this year.  Peak levels are expected to begin occurring Sunday for upstream areas and continue into Monday for downstream areas.  Levels will remain elevated over the upcoming week.  Flood coordinators should monitor flood prone areas as low-lying flood plains may become inundated.

With March Break beginning, the public is reminded to exercise extreme caution and stay off all water bodies. Any ice cover will be weakened and unstable. 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 and off of frozen water bodies.

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.

See water levels across the Thames River watershed 

Contact: Teresa Hollingsworth, Manager of Community & Corporate Services