The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) has issued a water safety warning for the entire Upper Thames River watershed, including London, Stratford, and Woodstock, as spring runoff continues to fill local rivers and streams. This advisory remains in effect until 12:00 pm on March 23, 2026, as fast-moving water and slippery banks continue to create hazardous conditions. This is the fourth consecutive safety bulletin issued by the organization during this specific weather event.
Warm temperatures on March 15, 2026, melted most of the remaining snow in the region, which sent a large amount of water into the river system the following day. While water levels have dropped since the peaks seen last week, they remain much higher than usual for this time of year across the entire watershed. This situation is the result of a spring runoff where melting snow quickly enters local streams and rivers.
The warning was especially critical for families and pet owners during the recent March school break. Official reports indicate that three people had to be rescued from the river in London earlier this month in two separate incidents because of the high and dangerous water levels. The fast-moving water can make riverbanks unstable and very slippery for anyone walking nearby.
To help manage the flow, the conservation authority is operating flood control reservoirs at the Fanshawe, Wildwood, and Pittock Conservation Areas. These dams are built to hold back water and reduce downstream flooding for approximately 593,700 people living in the watershed. These structures are critical for managing the 3,421 square kilometres of land that drain into the river system.
Residents across the watershed are urged to stay well back from all waterways and avoid any flooded areas entirely. Current weather forecasts predict small amounts of rain and snow for the rest of the week, which means river levels will likely stay above normal for several more days. The Thames River is a designated heritage site that is home to over 90 species of fish and several rare animals.
