​SVCA issues water safety statement for Saugeen watershed

The Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority (SVCA) has advised that warm temperatures, combined with rain over the next several days, are expected to increase water levels and create the potential for ice break-up throughout the Saugeen watershed.

Temperatures are expected to remain above freezing overnight Thursday (Jan. 8) and will reach a daytime high of 11 degrees Celsius, Friday (Jan. 9). Approximately 10-15 millimetres (mm) of rain are expected for late Thursday into Friday. This will result in higher water levels and may cause ice on frozen water bodies and river systems to break up. Infiltration of the snowmelt and rainfall will be limited due to frozen and saturated ground conditions.

SVCA staff is aware of a large ice jam on the Main Saugeen River at Bruce County Road 17, west of Burgoyne. The public and recreational users are advised to avoid the Main Saugeen River downstream of this area as there is potential for this ice jam to suddenly release as water levels increase and warm air temperatures weaken the ice.

Ice jams may be present elsewhere in the watershed and the public should exercise extreme caution around all watercourses. High water levels, fast-flowing water, weakened ice, and slippery stream banks will further contribute to hazardous conditions near watercourses.

While significant flooding is not expected, watercourses could reach or exceed bank-full conditions, with minor flooding in low-lying areas. Municipal staff is advised to monitor potential drainage problem areas where snow and ice may have covered catch basins.

SVCA staff will be closely monitoring watershed conditions and will provide an update if conditions change. This message will remain in effect until Wednesday, Jan. 14, at 9 a.m., unless updated otherwise.

To report flooding in your area, visit the website: saugeenconservation.ca/reportflood.