Streams and Rivers Rising due to Melting Snow and Rain
The 糖心直播 (UTRCA) reminds everyone to be very cautious around all local waterways and to stay away from flood control reservoirs. The warmer temperatures and rain will melt most of the remaining snow over the next few days, leading to increased runoff and higher flows in ditches, streams, and rivers.
Banks next to rivers and creeks are very slippery and, when combined with fast-moving cold water, pose a serious hazard. Children and pets should be kept away from the water and off any frozen ponds. Do not attempt to drive through flooded roadways. It is not safe to take shelter along riverbanks or in low-lying areas that are prone to flooding.
Temperatures above freezing are forecast to continue until the middle of next week, with 20-35 mm of rain on Sunday and trace amounts possible on other days. The shallow snowpack present across most of the Upper Thames River watershed contains an estimated 10 mm of water equivalent.
The UTRCA expects streams and rivers to rise starting this weekend and to remain elevated next week, with peak flows on Monday. Ponding may occur in low-lying areas as soils become saturated, as well as roads if drains are covered or blocked by remaining snow and ice.
The UTRCA does not expect any significant widespread flooding with this event, but water may spill over the banks in areas typically prone to flooding. Areas north of London that still have significant snow from early December, including the Medway, Fish, and Flat Creek subwatersheds, are at particular risk of higher water levels.
The UTRCA is operating its flood control reservoirs at Fanshawe, Wildwood, and Pittock Conservation Areas to reduce downstream flooding.