Message Number: 2026-06
Issued on: March 7, 2026 (2:30pm)
Issued by: Ian Eriksen, GSCA Flood Duty Officer
To: All Grey Sauble Conservation Watershed Municipalities and Watershed Media
Message:
Following significant intense rainfall from midday today, local waterways have become overwhelmed, and the flow response in major rivers has been quicker and higher than expected. As a result, Grey Sauble Conservation Authority (GSCA) has upgraded to a Flood Watch Statement for all municipalities within the watershed.
Much of the watershed received 25-40 mm of rain over the last 24 hours, with several periods of intense rain at times which led to quick runoff to local streams. Water levels along the Bighead River and Beaver River are rising quickly and are expected to exceed normal spring levels and may reach similar levels to the 2025 snowmelt event. Both river systems are expected to peak Saturday night. The Sauble and Sydenham Rivers are also expected to get close to or exceed normal spring levels but are typically slower to respond and are expected to peak on Sunday. There is the potential for riverine flooding and for bridges to be flooded, restricting access in some areas.
Temperatures are forecast to drop to near or below zero by midnight, which should slow the runoff. However, there is the potential for more rain late Tuesday and Wednesday.
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.
GSCA would like to remind everyone that significant runoff events can lead to unsafe conditions near rivers and streams. Fast‑moving water, slippery or unstable banks, and melting ice can present significant safety risks. Please stay alert and avoid watercourses when flows are high.
Grey Sauble staff will continue to monitor the weather and the flows and provide additional updates 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 10th, 2026 at 4:30pm unless replaced by further updates.
Contact: Ian Eriksen, Flood Duty Officer, flood@greysauble.on.ca; ph 548-877-0701
