Message Number: 2026-08
Issued on: March 13, 2026 (1:00pm)
Issued by: John Bittorf, GSCA Flood Duty Officer
To: All Grey Sauble Conservation Watershed Municipalities and Watershed Media

Message:

Grey Sauble Conservation Authority (GSCA) has downgraded our Flood Watch to a Watershed Conditions Statement (Flood Outlook) for all municipalities within the watershed. This Statement replaces all previous flood messaging from our office.

Following the rain and snow melt we experienced over the past week, water levels remain high in many areas. All our major watercourses have peaked, and water levels are starting to slowly decline. As a result, new flooding is not expected. However, there are still many areas experiencing water ponding and nuisance flooding. Water levels in areas that are groundwater fed or directly connected to large wetlands and lakes will take some time to decline.  

Some municipalities are still dealing with road washouts and have closed roads due to flooding. The public is strongly advised to respect the road closure signs and not drive on flooded roads.

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 water levels 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 17th, 2026 at 12:00pm unless replaced by further updates.

Contact:  John Bittorf, Flood Duty Officer, flood@greysauble.on.ca , ph 548 877 0585

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Message Number: 2026-07
Issued on: March 9, 2026 (10:30am)
Issued by: Ian Eriksen, GSCA Flood Duty Officer
To: All Grey Sauble Conservation Watershed Municipalities and Watershed Media

Message:

Following the rain and snowmelt on Saturday, water levels in many river systems rose above normal spring runoff levels resulting in some roads closed due to flooding. Water levels have already peaked in some river systems and are continuing to drop, while other systems have stayed very high due to ongoing snowmelt. With the high temperatures and windy conditions forecast today resulting in continued snowmelt and the rain forecast to start Tuesday night and on Wednesday, Grey Sauble Conservation Authority (GSCA) has extended the Flood Watch Statement for all municipalities within the watershed.

As of Sunday, warm temperatures and strong winds have contributed to ongoing snowmelt which has delayed water levels from dropping in some watercourses. With temperatures forecast to remain above seasonal, the existing snowpack will continue to release its water content.  Although the snowpack has been significantly reduced, there are still areas with snow cover such as snow drifts and woodlots. Most open fields are clear of snow.  Starting late Tuesday night and throughout Wednesday, 20-40 mm of rain is forecast for our region.

If watercourses stay high through Tuesday, additional flooding is possible depending on the intensity and amount of rain we receive. With the Sauble River system remaining high, areas like Allenford may see river levels exceed the levels seen over the past weekend. 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 flows and provide 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 Friday, March 13^th, 2026 at 12:00pm unless replaced by further updates.

Contact: Ian Eriksen, Flood Duty Officer, flood@greysauble.on.ca; ph 548-877-0701

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 10^th, 2026 at 4:30pm unless replaced by further updates.

Contact: Ian Eriksen, Flood Duty Officer, flood@greysauble.on.ca; ph 548-877-0701

Message Number: 2026-05
Issued on: March 4, 2026 (2:00pm)
Issued by: Ian Eriksen, GSCA Flood Duty Officer
To: All Grey Sauble Conservation Watershed Municipalities and Watershed Media

Message:

The current forecast is calling for temperatures to rise above +10^oC on Friday and Saturday. In addition, forecasts are expecting 10 to 40 mm of rain to fall in our region starting later Friday and much of Saturday. Recent snow surveys show that the snowpack in the southern part of our watershed has approximately 10 to 15 mm of water equivalent, while areas on the peninsula have between 20 and 30 mm of water equivalent. The snowpack is dense and saturated and ready to release water as it has become more compact with the recent nice weather.    

As the snow melts and rain falls, the soil will become saturated under the snow, and additional snow melt will run off into ditches, streams and rivers. Seasonal flooding of low-lying areas may occur, and watercourses may reach or exceed their banks. Streamflow may reach typical spring levels, but major flooding is not expected at this time.

Currently, the risk of ice jamming appears to be low. However, isolated areas may experience issues as water levels rise and the ice cover breaks up.  

Grey Sauble Conservation Authority 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 Monday, March 9th, 2026 at 4:00pm unless replaced by further updates.

Contact: Ian Eriksen, Flood Duty Officer, flood@greysauble.on.ca, ph 548-877-0701

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