Water Levels to Rise with Warm Temperatures and Rain this Week
Watershed Conditions Statement 鈥� Flood Outlook (2026 Flood Event 3, Bulletin Number 1)
Issued at: March 4, 2026, at 12:00 pm,聽Valid until: March 10, 2026, at 12:00 pm
糖心直播 (UTRCA) staff conducted a snow survey on Monday, March 2, which reported an average of 50-70 mm of water content in the northern portion of the watershed, and 15-20 mm in the southern portion. The snowpack is melting and releasing water as warm temperatures arrive.
Current forecasts call for relatively light intensity rainfall beginning Thursday and continuing into the weekend. While the forecast totals vary (15-35 mm), most forecasts predict 20-25 mm of rainfall, with the majority falling on Thursday. Temperatures are forecast to potentially reach double digits during the day each day and remain above freezing overnight. This forecast will melt most of the remaining snow in the watershed.
The UTRCA expects water levels to begin gradually rising with the warm temperatures and melting snow, with the highest flows in most water courses likely occurring late Friday and into Saturday. Water levels are expected to remain elevated into next week. Forecasts also show more rain in the middle of next week, which will keep levels high for longer, should it materialize.
While the UTRCA does not expect serious flooding beyond low lying areas that traditionally flood, officials will be watching the situation closely and will provide an update if the situation changes. The UTRCA is operating its flood control reservoirs at Fanshawe, Wildwood, and Pittock Conservation Areas to reduce downstream flooding.
Municipal staff are asked to monitor potential drainage problem areas where snow and ice may have covered catch basins. Smaller rural watercourses and ditches may have been drifted in by snow which can block flows during a runoff event, backing up water onto adjacent land or roadways and 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. Ice on flood control reservoirs is 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.