River Weaver water level (update)

Earlier this morning, AudlemOnline reported that following the thaw and rain last night, the River Weaver is running at near record levels. This in turn produced another drama:

Ian Haughey reports: "Not often you get Oli Bonnell banging on your door on a Sunday morning in full fireman's dress: well that's how Sunday started!

"It all becomes clear that following Saturday morning's crispy white winter postcard scene, the following thaw had raised the Weaver to near record levels, as one of our fields, home to our three horses, is also part of the flood plain.

"Though not in distress, they had located themselves at the highest part of the bank near the Whitchurch Road, the Fire Brigade had had an emergency call from the 'owners', not us I hasten to add, as we were still in bed following the Chillinight!

"As we arrived at the field we were met by two engines, our local boy's, and a special animal rescue unit from Knutsford such was the concern expressed as to the horses' safety. Though in no danger, the three horses waded their way through a wellies depth of water to the gate and with the help of Richard from the Knutsford Service, we relocated the horses to Eric Callwood's fields on the other bank.

"It was certainly a stunning sight, a fast running Weaver at nearly 2.58 meters river height had probably added up to 12" of water across the field. The flood plain was really playing its natural part in managing the water levels.

"It just goes to show how quickly water levels can rise. Late last night it did not appear to be any worse than a couple of weeks back, then this morning it had risen a good 5- 6" on the field, pushing the water to the field edges.

"On the advice of the Fire Service we will publish our contact numbers on the field gates and also circulate to the residents over-looking the fields. Though the call may well have been made out of genuine concern for the horses, and we are grateful for the rescue services for coming out, this would alleviate the need for the emergency services to be called away from a potential real emergency. This may be something other owners may well consider during these unpredictable weather times."

"Right, where's that kayak''.

Lawnman reported this morning on the Chatbox: "Just had a look at the river off Whitchurch Rd. Running very very high at 2.57 mts, the highest this year! All the fields well under water. Highest ever recorded 2.59!"

You can check out more details on this link to Environment Agency reports on the river level at Audlem, a website brought to our attention by Norman Huntbach.

At 3.00pm this afternoon, the level had fallen slightly to 2.53 metres, 4cm below its peak earlier this morning. There will be some fingers crossed that the rain holds off. Audlem Brook, which runs into the Weaver just west of Mill Lane, was also running at a very high level as our photos show. The water lever was up to the top of the arch at Greys Bridge on Green Lane while further down, our second photo shows the Brook running towards the River Weaver. You can click on any of the photos to enlarge them. Our thanks to Dave Martin for the top photograph in this report.

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