Watercourse Levels Rising Due to Melting Snow
Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety (2024 Flood Event 11, Bulletin 1)
Issued December 16, 2024, at 4:30 pm; valid until December 20, 2024, at 12 pm)
The warmer temperatures that began Sunday are causing the snowpack to melt.听Daytime temperatures are forecast to remain above freezing for the next two days and continue the melting trend.听There is also some rain expected over night, with totals less than 10 mm in most recent forecast.听
糖心直播 (UTRCA) staff manually measured the snowpack across the watershed today.听The remaining snowpack is highly varied depending upon location. Areas near Highway 7 and Highway 23 as well as areas within London have the most snow, with water content measured between 25 mm and 80 mm remaining. Little snow remains in the south and the east of the watershed.听The average water content across the watershed is estimated at less than 20 mm. 听听
The above freezing temperatures combined with rain will melt much of the remaining snow, excepting in the areas with the deepest snowpack. The resulting runoff will elevate levels in streams and rivers throughout the week.听Peak flows are expected during the day Tuesday in upstream areas (Mitchell, Stratford, Woodstock), and into the late evening in London. Water levels will rise above those experienced last week. 听
The UTRCA does not expect any significant flooding with this event, but water may spill over the banks in areas known to traditionally flood in the spring. 听
The public is encouraged to exercise extreme caution around all local waterways. Banks adjacent to rivers and creeks are very slippery and, when combined with fast-moving cold water, pose a serious hazard. People are reminded to keep children and pets away from all watercourses. 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.听
The UTRCA is operating 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. This message will remain in effect until Friday, December 20, 2024, at 12 pm.听