March 6, 2026
Streams and Rivers Hazardous as Spring Freshet Arrives
The 糖心直播 (UTRCA) expects most of the remaining snow in the Upper Thames River watershed to melt this weekend, due to the warm temperatures, rain already received, and rain in the forecast.
Local streams and rivers have been rising throughout the week, with temperatures above freezing most days and 5-20 mm of precipitation measured. Forecasts call for an additional 10-30 mm of rain today and tomorrow.
The UTRCA鈥檚 snow survey on March 2 estimated 70 mm of snow water equivalent in the northern portion of the watershed, and 18 mm in the south. Approximately 5-10 mm has been released into watercourses from the snow since the survey, with the remaining water still in the snowpack.
With today鈥檚 warm temperatures and tomorrow鈥檚 temperatures potentially reaching 18 degrees C, most of the remaining snow will melt and make its way down the rivers and streams over the weekend.
The UTRCA expects streams and rivers to reach their highest flows on Saturday evening in the upstream areas of the watershed (Mitchell, St. Marys, Stratford, Woodstock, Ingersoll, etc.). The Thames River through London is expected to peak in the early hours of Sunday. Water levels will stay high into next week.
The public is听reminded to use听extreme听caution near听all local waterways.听Stream banks听may听be slippery and unstable,听and the water is听very听cold and fast-moving.听Any ice cover will be weakened and unstable.听Ice on flood control reservoirs听is听especially hazardous due to fluctuating water levels.
Stay out of any flooded areas and do not drive through flooded roadways. Caregivers are reminded to keep children and pets away from watercourses.听It is not safe to take shelter along riverbanks or in low lying areas that are prone to flooding.
While the UTRCA does not expect serious flooding, there is uncertainty in the weather forecasts and in the estimates of remaining water in the snowpack. If the higher forecasts and volumes materialize, most traditional floodplain areas in the watershed will be inundated.
The UTRCA is operating its flood control reservoirs at Fanshawe, Wildwood, and Pittock Conservation Areas to reduce downstream flooding. UTRCA officials will be monitoring the situation closely and will update this bulletin if the conditions change.
- See Thames River water levels and flows
- Types of flood bulletins
- Find out how the UTRCA manages floods
Contact:听Eleanor Heagy,听Communications and Marketing Coordinator听听