Since 5 p.m. February 20 the Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority (SVCA) Watershed jurisdiction received an additional 21mm of rain on average and as a result the Flood Watch remains in effect for the region. In a February 21 media release, the total average rainfall since Monday was at 64mm, with the highest amount at 76mm in the Priceville area.
Fortunately, the rain stopped this morning and no significant further rain is forecast for the next few days. Some of the smaller Lake Huron fringe streams peaked overnight. As of 9 a.m. watercourses in the upper part of the Saugeen River Watershed are showing signs of levelling off or are just starting to peak. Those watercourses will then be receding through the rest of today and into tomorrow.
Ice jams and flowing ice did move through some of the watercourses yesterday and overnight, but ice jamming could still be problematic in some locations. The SVCA continues to advise municipal public works staff to monitor roads, bridges, and culverts where ice jamming or blockage by floating debris is possible.
For safety reasons, the public should avoid rivers and streams where flooding is occurring. Most importantly, drivers should not use flooded roads, as damaged road beds or culverts might not be visible under the floodwater.
Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority staff will be monitoring river flows throughout the day. This message is in effect until Thursday, February 22, 2018, 11:00 am, unless a further message is issued.
