The Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority has issued a watershed statement about river ice forming and possibly causing flooding due to ice jams.
They’re warning about the potential for ice formation in the Saugeen River and its tributaries, driven by an extended forecast of cold temperatures and turbulent river flows caused by recent rainfall and snowmelt.
They say cold air temperatures are expected to persist for the next two weeks, with daytime highs below -10°C and nighttime lows ranging from -13°C to -22°C.
They say high, fast-moving flows from Priceville to Durham currently lack ice cover, increasing the risk of more ice formation, which they say can rapidly obstruct water flow and cause flooding upstream of ice jams.
The Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority says they’re working with West Grey municipal staff are to prioritize public safety.
Conservation staff say they will be closely monitoring the situation and will provide updates as needed. They say their statement will remain in effect until January 20th, at 4:30pm unless otherwise updated.