Warm temperatures over the weekend and yesterday have been gradually melting the snow cover in the Upper Thames River watershed. As a result, water levels rose over the weekend and have remained elevated. Temperatures rose above freezing again this morning , and are expected to remain at about +5 degrees C overnight, and then to further rise over the day tomorrow, potentially reaching as high as +15 degrees C by Thursday afternoon. These warm temperatures will be accompanied by 15-20 mm of rain, forecast to be light throughout the day tomorrow, with the bulk expected tomorrow evening. This combination of temperatures and rain is expected to melt most of the remaining snow in the watershed.

While serious flooding is not anticipated, water levels will be elevated throughout the remainder of the week and the coming weekend. Multiple peaks are possible on many watercourses as the snowpack may completely melt in some subwatersheds over the night tonight and early tomorrow prior to the heavier rain expected tomorrow evening. Peak levels resulting from the rain are expected to begin early Friday in upstream areas, and later in the day in London. Watercourses may rise to similar levels, or slightly above, those experienced in early February of this year. Coordinators should monitor flood prone areas as low-lying flood plains may become inundated.

With the March Break underway, the public is reminded to exercise extreme caution and stay off of 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.