WATERSHED CONDITIONS STATEMENT – FLOOD OUTLOOK
Issued February 4, 2019 at 3:00 pm, Valid until: February 8, 2019

Daytime and night time temperatures have been above freezing since Saturday, and are approaching double digits today. Two to 10 mm of rain fell over the weekend, and an additional 5 mm of rain is forecast this afternoon and into the evening. Cooler temperatures are expected to arrive early tomorrow morning.

The snowpack has started to consolidate and melt. Last week’s snow surveys measured 20-40 mm of water equivalent in the snowpack, which is below normal for this time of year. Much of the water equivalent remains in the ripened snow and is sitting on saturated or frozen ground.

Much of the snow cover is expected to disappear over the next 24 hours. No significant flooding is anticipated at this time, but rivers and streams may be close to bank full, and spill over in low lying areas. Water levels will continue to rise today and into tomorrow, with peaks expected upstream Tuesday, and working their way downstream towards London overnight Tuesday and into Wednesday. Water levels will remain elevated for the remainder of this week.

The public is reminded to exercise extreme caution and stay off all water bodies at this time. Ice cover, where it exists, will be weakened as a result of the warming trend. 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 are being operated to reduce any downstream flooding. UTRCA officials are monitoring the situation, and will report on any changing conditions if necessary.

See current Thames River flows

Contact: Eleanor Heagy, Communications Specialist