​SVCA extends flood watch statement in Saugeen watershed

The Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority (SVCA) has extended its flood watch statement, due to ongoing snowmelt and more rain in the forecast.

With daytime temperatures reaching a high of 15 degrees Celsius Monday (March 9), ongoing snowmelt continues to create high-water conditions throughout the watershed. Although water levels in small watercourses peaked this past weekend and have begun to drop, larger watercourses remain high and show no indication that water levels are decreasing.

A special weather statement, issued by Environment Canada and Climate Change, is advising of the potential for significant rainfall Tuesday night (March 10) and Wednesday (March 11), with rainfall amounts of 20-40 millimetres (mm) possible. Temperatures are expected to remain above freezing until late Wednesday which will continue to create run-off from snowmelt. Stream flows are expected to remain high into this weekend and flooding beyond typical low-lying areas, is possible.

Municipal staff is encouraged to continue monitoring low-lying and flood-prone areas as large watercourses are not expected to peak until this weekend. Many ditches continue to hold snow and the potential for culvert blockages remains possible.

The public is advised to exercise caution near all watercourses. Stream and river flows will remain strong and hazardous, and riverbanks may be unstable. Be aware that conditions can change rapidly.

SVCA staff will be closely monitoring watershed conditions and will provide an update if conditions change. This message will remain in effect until Monday, March 16, at 10:30 a.m., unless updated otherwise.

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