Highlights:

• Ice cover on the Thames River is beginning to break up in some areas.
• An ice jam appears to be forming around Kent Bridge with minor ice jamming through Chatham.
• Water levels are higher than usual for the current river flows due to the ice.
• Water levels are falling on smaller local watercourses.
• Thames River will remain higher than normal through the weekend.

Message:

Over the last week, the Thames River watershed has seen two rain events with warm temperatures and snowmelt. These events have raised water levels on the Thames River and our smaller local watercourses. These events have also weakened the river ice. Water levels on our smaller local watercourses are now dropping and there are no weather events in the forecasts that would further affect water levels.

Water levels have yet to peak in London, but they are already higher than what were seen last Friday and should be expected to peak tomorrow. The peak will then move downstream over the next few days. With the slightly higher flows and the effects of minor ice jamming, there could be some further flooding of the river flats than was seen earlier in the week. Flooding of the river flats is not expected to be significant. Water levels on the Thames River will remain higher than normal through the weekend.

Ice cover on the river has begun to break up in some areas and is moving downstream. Minor ice jams have been seen all along the river down into the city of Chatham. A larger ice jam appears to be forming around Kent Bridge. These ice jams are causing water levels to rise higher than would usually be expected for the amount of flow in the river. Water levels and ice conditions will need to watched as further ice jams can cause sudden changes in water levels. Currently, the ice sheet remains intact downstream of Prairie Siding.

People should take extra caution and avoid the river, ditches, and streams. The combination of slippery banks, broken or unstable ice and fast moving cold water can be dangerous. Any ice still on the river should no longer be considered safe. Standing water can also present its own unseen hazards. Children and animals should be kept away from the water.

Officials will continue to monitor the situation and update this advisory as necessary.

This message will be in effect until February 28th, 2022.

Message Contact: Jason Wintermute ([email protected])