Conservation officials in the London area are advising the public to steer clear of waterways this week as rising water levels from melting snow and ice pose potential hazards. The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) highlighted that a combination of rain and above-freezing temperatures is contributing to elevated water levels in the Thames River.
In a news release, officials emphasized the importance of extreme caution near waterways due to slippery and unstable stream banks, particularly when coupled with cold, fast-flowing water that can be perilous. Any existing ice cover is likely weakened and unstable, with flood control reservoirs posing additional risks due to fluctuating water levels.
Although such warnings are common in the spring during snowmelt, the current situation demands heightened awareness. Areas prone to danger include floodplains and riverbanks, where the UTRCA anticipates flooding in low-lying floodplain zones that typically flood in spring. The public is advised to avoid flooded areas and refrain from driving through flooded roadways.
Water levels are anticipated to rise further over the weekend, with peak flows expected to move through upstream locations like Stratford, St. Marys, and Woodstock early Saturday and reach London late Saturday, possibly extending overnight. The UTRCA is actively managing flood-control reservoirs at Fanshawe, Wildwood, and Pittock Conservation Areas to mitigate flooding, though local residents are urged to exercise caution.