Spring Melt to begin this Weekend (flood bulletin, February 26-March 2, 2021)
WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT – WATER SAFETY
Issued February 26, 2021 at 2:00 pm; valid until March 2, 2021
The Upper Thames River basin currently has a typical snowpack for this time of year. The snow survey conducted by the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) staff on February 17, 2021, indicated approximately 60 mm of water equivalent across the watershed. Since that survey, the watershed has received additional heavy, wet snow, which will be assessed in the next snow survey on March 1. The UTRCA expects to provide municipal flood coordinators with an update on watershed conditions early next week.
Warm temperatures experienced during the past week began consolidating the snowpack, and this process will continue over the weekend with daytime highs predicted at +7°C for Saturday and +9°C on Sunday. Freezing temperatures are expected over night, for both nights. In addition, 5 – 10 mm of rain is forecast over the weekend. This combination of warming temperatures and a small amount of rain may initiate the runoff process, but the UTRCA does not expect flooding at this time. Cooler temperatures are forecast for next week.
While the snowpack contains a significant amount of water and this carries with it the potential for flooding, current weather forecasts suggest a gradual melt over the next one to two weeks.
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.
The public is reminded to exercise extreme caution and stay off all water bodies. Any ice cover will be weakened and unstable. Flood control reservoirs will be especially hazardous due to fluctuating water levels. 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.