Spring Melt UPDATE (flood bulletin, February 22-27, 2022)
WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT – WATER SAFETY – Update
Issued February 22, 2022 at 1:00 pm; Valid until February 27, 2022
The updated rain forecasts call for 10-25 mm across the watershed today. The snow pack water equivalent is approximately 40-60 mm in the south, and 70-90 mm in the north, as assessed this morning by Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) staff.
The snow throughout the watershed has compacted and/or melted to a point where it has little capacity for absorbing any additional meltwater or rain. Any rain will likely run off, and there will be some additional melting from the warm temperatures expected today. A return to sub-zero temperatures later this evening will slow the runoff process.
If higher rainfall forecasts materialize, the UTRCA expects water levels similar to last week, with serious flooding not expected. The UTRCA anticipates water levels will be elevated for the remainder of the week.
The public is reminded to exercise extreme caution and stay away from all water bodies. Any ice cover will be weakened and unstable. Flood control reservoirs are especially hazardous due to fluctuating water levels. Smaller rural watercourses have been drifted in by snow in places, which can hide potentially hazardous conditions. Banks adjacent to rivers and creeks are very slippery and, when combined with cold, fast-moving water, pose a serious hazard. Parents are reminded to keep 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.
Contact: Eleanor Heagy, Communications Specialist