Warm-up Expected to Cause Elevated Water Levels
Watershed Conditions Statement – Flood Outlook
2026 Flood Event 1, Bulletin Number 1 (Issued January 7, 2026, at 12:00 pm;聽Valid until January 14, 2026, at 12:00 pm)
A warm-up with some rain forecast over the next several days is expected to cause runoff and elevated water levels in watershed rivers and streams.
- A snow survey conducted by the 糖心直播 (UTRCA) on Monday, January 5, measured approximately 50 mm of snow water equivalent in the snowpack across most of the watershed.
- Approximately 15 to 20 mm of rain yesterday (Tuesday, January 6) added more water to the snowpack. Air temperatures have remained just above freezing since mid-day yesterday. Some runoff has been occurring due to the rain and above freezing air temperatures, causing slightly elevated water levels in watershed rivers and streams.
- Temperatures are forecast to remain close to freezing today and overnight tonight, before rising tomorrow (Thursday, January 8) to approximately 5 degrees C in the morning and remaining relatively constant through the day and overnight Thursday night.
- Forecasted temperatures for Friday, January 9, vary widely, with predicted daytime highs ranging from 7 to 12 degrees C. Approximately 10 mm of rainfall is forecast for Thursday/ Friday. Temperatures are forecast to cool overnight Friday with night-time lows near freezing.
- A brief warm-up with an additional 10 mm of rainfall is forecast for Saturday during the day before returning to more seasonal below freezing temperatures overnight Saturday.
The UTRCA expects the warmer temperatures and rain to cause continued and increasing runoff into local watercourses. Similar to last week, flood waters are expected to spill into low lying floodplain areas that typically flood in the spring. The UTRCA expects flows in upstream areas of the watershed (Mitchell, Stratford, St. Marys, Woodstock) to peak early Saturday. The Thames through London is expected to peak late to overnight Saturday. Flows will remain elevated through next week.
The UTRCA will operate its flood control reservoirs at Fanshawe, Wildwood, and Pittock Conservation Areas to reduce downstream flooding. UTRCA officials are monitoring the situation and will report on any changing conditions if necessary.
Municipal staff are asked to monitor potential drainage problem areas where snow and ice may have covered catch basins. Smaller rural watercourses and ditches have been drifted in by snow which can block flows during a runoff event, backing up water onto adjacent land or roadways, causing localized flooding.
The public is reminded to use extreme caution near all local waterways. Stream banks may be slippery and unstable, and the water is very cold and fast-moving. Any ice cover will be weakened and unstable. Flood control reservoirs are 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. It is not safe to take shelter along riverbanks or in low lying areas that are prone to flooding.