Message Number: 2025-02
Issued on: March 15, 2025 (7:30pm)
Issued by: Ian Eriksen, Acting Flood Duty Officer
To: This Flood Watch is issued to all Municipalities in the Grey Sauble Conservation Watershed
Message:
The snowpack across the watershed has been melting throughout the day following warmer than normal temperatures for the past 36 hours. As a result, fields and low-lying areas are experiencing significant ponding and overland runoff flow. Temperatures are forecast to remain above 10oC until Sunday afternoon before dropping. In addition, 15 to 25 mm of rain is forecast to fall starting late Saturday night and through Sunday. Environment Canada has issued a Special Weather Statement, as a Colorado Low system is moving across the watershed, indicating the risk of thunderstorms as the low-pressure system passes through.
Small watercourses and drainage ditches are becoming overwhelmed from the snowmelt, resulting in localized flooding situations. Larger river systems are just starting to respond and are expected to continue to rise through the night as the rainfall begins and through tomorrow. Water levels in these systems are expected to rise above typical spring runoff levels. There is the potential for unusual riverine flooding depending on the amount of rain that the watershed receives and the amount of snow still remaining. Remaining snow depth varies across the watershed, with the Wiarton and Beaver Valley areas holding the most snow as of yesterday.
Flood watches are issued when flooding is possible along local watercourses. Landowners within known flood prone areas should monitor their situation and be prepared in case of flooding.
Grey Sauble Conservation Authority would like to remind everyone that during spring runoff events, potential conditions exist that could pose a risk to personal safety. High flows, unsafe banks, or other factors could be dangerous for residents and pets. Stay back from riverbanks and away from fast moving water.
Grey Sauble staff will continue to monitor the weather and the flows and provide additional flood messages as needed. Watershed residents can access snow, stream flow and rain gauge data through the Watershed Conditions page on our website: www.greysauble.on.ca/water-management/current-watershed-conditions/
This Statement expires Tuesday, March 18th, 2025 at 1:00pm unless replaced by further updates. Contact: Ian Eriksen, Acting Flood Duty Officer, i.eriksen@greysauble.on.ca, ph 548-877-0701
