​SVCA issues water-safety notice for Saugeen watershed

The Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority (SVCA) advises that water levels are continuing to increase in response to unseasonably warm temperatures and melting of the snowpack.

Temperatures reached up to 12 degrees Celsius, Saturday (Dec. 28), which resulted in significant melting of the snowpack and increased water levels in all watercourses. Temperatures are forecast to remain above freezing until mid-week. A low-pressure system was to bring rain, heavy at times, to the watershed Sunday (Dec. 29), with showers lingering into Monday (Dec. 30).

Rainfall totals of 20-35 millimetres (mm) are possible as a result of this low-pressure system. In response, water levels are expected to remain elevated through the week.

While significant flooding is not expected, watercourses could reach or exceed bank-full conditions, with minor flooding in low-lying areas as soil becomes saturated. High water levels, fast-flowing water, weakened ice, and slippery stream banks will create hazardous conditions near all waterways. The public is reminded to stay away from all watercourses and structures, such as pedestrian bridges, culverts, and dams.

Municipal staff is advised to monitor local drainage problem areas where remaining snow and ice may have covered catch basins.

SVCA staff will be closely monitoring the situation and will provide an update if conditions change. This message will remain in effect until Friday, Jan. 3, 2025, at 4:30 a.m., unless otherwise updated.

To report flooding in your area, visit the website: saugeenconservation.ca/Water-Resources/Report-Flooding.