Message Number: 2026-03
Issued on: January 27, 2026 (4:00pm)
Issued by: John Bittorf, GSCA Flood Duty Officer
To: Beaver River Watershed Municipalities and Media

Message:

Due to the extreme cold temperatures over the past week, with cold temperatures expected to continue through the coming weekend, combined with the fact that the Beaver River still has not fully frozen over throughout the system, frazil ice continues to be generated within the turbulent flow reaches of the river. Municipalities are challenged with localized potential flooding in two separate areas as noted;

CLARKSBURG – TOWN OF THE BLUE MOUNTAINS

Over the last week, frazil ice has collected in the Beaver River within Clarksburg which has caused water levels to rise. The water level remains high at this time. With windchill temperatures forecast to remain near or below –18C into the weekend, with only small warmer periods during the day, the potential exists for frazil ice to continue being produced upstream of Clarksburg until the Beaver River freezes over.

At this time, the frazil ice sheet has extended upstream of Marsh Street and there is concern that flow will be further restricted causing water levels to rise over the next week. This area will continue to be monitored by Town and GSCA Staff. Town of the Blue Mountains crews and contractors are utilizing a long-reach excavator to remove frazil ice from the river to promote flow, despite limited access to the river. The frazil ice removal is expected to continue throughout the daytime hours.

LOWER VALLEY ROAD – MUNICIPALITY OF GREY HIGHLANDS

Flooding has been observed along Lower Valley Road just south of Graham’s Hill/Campbell’s Hill roads. Frazil ice is causing water along the Beaver River to backup and spill its banks. The Municipality has closed the road and the public is cautioned to avoid the area.

Flood Watches are issued when flooding is possible along local watercourses. Landowners within these areas should monitor their situation and be prepared in case of flooding.

Grey Sauble staff will continue to monitor the weather and the flows and provide additional updates as needed.

This Statement expires Monday, February 2^nd, 2026 at 4:30pm unless replaced by further updates.

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

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Message Number: 2026-02
Issued on: January 23, 2026 (4:00pm)
Issued by: Ian Eriksen, GSCA Flood Duty Officer
To: Beaver River Watershed Municipalities and Media

Message:

Due to the extreme cold temperatures over the past few days, combined with the fact that the Beaver River has not fully frozen over, frazil ice is being generated within the turbulent flow reaches of the river upstream of Clarksburg. 

Frazil ice has begun to collect in the Beaver River within Clarksburg which has caused water levels to rise significantly within the past 24 hours. With windchill temperatures forecast to remain near or below –18C for the next 4 to 5 days, the potential exists for frazil ice to continue being produced upstream of Clarksburg until the Beaver River freezes over.

Starting this morning, Town of the Blue Mountains crews and contractors are utilizing a long-reach excavator to remove frazil ice from the river to promote flow. The frazil ice removal is expected to continue throughout the daytime hours over the weekend.

Flood Watches are issued when flooding is possible along local watercourses. Landowners within known flood prone areas in Clarksburg should monitor their situation and be prepared in case of flooding.

Grey Sauble staff will continue to monitor the weather and the flows and provide additional updates as needed.

This Statement expires Tuesday, January 27th, 2026 at 4:30pm unless replaced by further updates.

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

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Message Number: 2026-01
Issued on: January 9, 2026 (3:30pm)
Issued by: Ian Eriksen, GSCA Flood Duty Officer
To: All Grey Sauble Conservation Watershed Municipalities and Watershed Media

Message:

Approximately 10 to 20mm of rain has fallen on our watershed today. In addition, the warm temperatures and high winds have contributed to a significant snowmelt throughout the watershed. As the snow melts, soils become saturated under the snow and additional snow melt has run off into ditches, streams and rivers.

Flows in most watersheds have begun to respond and will continue to rise until late Friday or midday Saturday but are still expected to stay below average/normal spring runoff levels. Seasonal flooding of low-lying areas may occur and watercourses may reach or exceed their banks. No major flooding is expected at this time. 

The risk of ice jamming appears to be low at this time, as many watercourses have not fully frozen over.

Grey Sauble Conservation Authority would like to remind everyone that during significant runoff events, potential conditions exist that could pose a risk to personal safety. High flows, unsafe banks, melting ice or other factors could be dangerous for recreational users such as anglers, canoeists, hikers, children, pets, etc. 

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 our Watershed Conditions page on our website: www.greysauble.on.ca/water-management/current-watershed-conditions/

This Statement expires Saturday, January 10th, 2026 at 5pm unless replaced by further updates.

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

Message Number: 2025-05
Issued on: April 1, 2025 (11:00 am)
Issued by: John Bittorf, Flood Duty Officer

To:  All Grey Sauble Conservation Watershed Municipalities and Watershed Media

Message:

Grey Sauble Conservation Authority (GSCA) advises that the Watershed Conditions Statement (2025-3) and the Beaver River Flood Watch (2025-4) previously issued are replaced by this “All Watersheds” Flood Watch.

GSCA staff are currently watching a weather system that is forecast to enter our watersheds by Wednesday afternoon (April 2^nd). The system may start as snow but will eventually finish as rain with up to 50mm potential total water content. Rain is anticipated to be heavy at times. With most of Grey Sauble’s watersheds saturated and larger river flows still elevated, there is a potential for rivers and streams to respond quickly to the added moisture. We may see flows as high or higher than previously experienced already this spring. Smaller drainage features may become overwhelmed and result in localized or Urban flooding. Watershed residents are encouraged to check their local drainage features and ensure they are clear of debris and in working order. Seasonal flooding of low-lying areas will continue.   

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 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.

GSCA 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 on Saturday, April 5, 2025 at 12:00pm unless replaced by further updates.

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