Highlights:

• Ice jam at Lighthouse Cove remains in place.
• Water levels on the Thames River have fallen.
• Daytime highs below freezing to last until late next week.
• Ice jam is unlikely to move.

Message:

The ice jam that formed last week on the Thames River near the mouth at Lighthouse Cove remains in place. Water levels have fallen significantly on the Thames River. Through the area of the ice jam, water levels are now approaching Lake St. Clair levels, with water levels near the bridge at Prairie Siding being less than 0.5 m above those on the lake. On Wednesday, it appeared that the ice cover on Lake St. Clair had left the Lighthouse Cove area. However, later that afternoon, it appeared that high winds had pushed the ice back into the area.

Weather forecasts are calling for temperatures to remain below freezing into late next week. Long range forecasts for the following week are calling for a few days with temperatures a few degrees above freezing and only a few millimetres of rain.

Based on the current conditions there appears to be little risk of the ice jam moving. Current flows on the Thames River seem to be safely passing underneath the jam. The ice is mostly gone between the jam and the lake and the ice on the lake does not seem to be stable. Cold temperatures over the next few weeks would only be expected to put 5 to 10 cm of new ice on the river.

People should still take extra caution and avoid the river. The banks of the river are very slippery from mud and left over ice. The remaining ice on the river is not stable. Children and pets should be kept away from the water and ice.

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

This message will be in effect until February 16th, 2019.

Contact: LTVCA Administration Office (519-354-7310) regarding this message.