Clearing river from Reds

[jecuk]

So I had too much time on my hands last night and was wondering:

If it stops raining over the Thames catchment now (very hypothetical I know), how long before the river tends to clear itself of red boards? Another way to ask is how long before flow rates get back to more normal levels? Which parts of the river clear first?

 

[LittleSister]

The Environment Agency are probably the people to answer your question.

But it did get me wondering, if it CONTINUED to not rain over the Thames catchment (even more hypothetical?!), how long would it take the river to dry out altogether?

 

[Geoffs]

But it did get me wondering, if it CONTINUED to not rain over the Thames catchment (even more hypothetical?!), how long would it take the river to dry out altogether?

Not really hypothetical, nearly happened in 1976. A lot of wiers were sandbagged to hold water back, strict locking procedures were in place to minimise water loss. Huge pumps were installed at Teddington and Molesey to make the river flow backwards.

 

[Gavi]

All I remember about 1976 is my paddling pool

 

[Geoffs]

Young whipper snapper. Bet your paddling pool nearly ran of water!