Watercourse Levels Expected to Rise Due to Melting Snow and RaiWatercourse Levels Expected to Rise Due to Melting Snow and RainnWatercourse Levels Expected to Rise Due to Melting Snow and Rain
Watershed Conditions Statement 鈥� Water Safety (2024 Flood Event 12, Bulletin 1)
Issued December 28, 2024, at 10:00 am; Valid until January 2, 2025, at 12:00 pm
The current above freezing temperatures are expected to continue until the middle of next week. Twenty to 35 mm of rainfall is expected on Sunday, with 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, which was mostly received in the snow event early this week. Drifted deeper snow from earlier in the month also remains in many parts of the watershed. The northwest edge of the watershed, which received the most snow earlier in month (including the upper reaches of Medway, Fish, and Flat Creek subwatersheds), has more widespread remaining snowpack from those earlier events.
The 糖心直播 (UTRCA) expects most of the remaining snow to melt due to the above freezing temperatures and rain, leading to increased runoff into drains and watercourses. 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.
Streams and rivers will be elevated starting this weekend and continuing throughout next week. Peak flows are expected Monday. Water levels could rise to levels similar to the high water event in mid-December in many areas. There is the potential for higher levels, particularly in subwatersheds with more widespread snowpack remaining from early December, and if higher rainfall amounts are received.
The UTRCA does not expect any significant widespread flooding with this event, but water may spill over the banks in areas known to traditionally flood in the spring. Subwatersheds with significant remaining snow from earlier December, including Medway, Fish, and Flat Creeks, are at particular risk of high water levels.
Individuals are reminded to exercise extreme caution around all local waterways and stay away from flood control reservoirs. 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.
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 Thursday, January 2, 2025, at 12 pm.