Saugeen Conservation advises that the Watershed Conditions Statement – Flood Outlook, issued on December 29, 2022, has been upgraded to a Flood Watch.
Water levels in our streams and rivers have risen anywhere from 0.3 to 1.0m since Thursday, December 29th. Most smaller watercourses have already over-topped their banks, and some medium-to-large watercourses are nearing bankfull conditions, specifically in Neustadt, Walkerton, Paisley, Formosa and surrounding areas.
Soils are now fully saturated meaning that additional snowmelt and rainfall will end up as runoff into our watercourses. Localized flooding can be expected on roadways and in low-lying and/or flood prone areas.
More extensive flooding is possible in areas that received high snowfall amounts earlier in the week or areas with rain forecast for today.
Municipal and County staff should monitor problem areas and prepare to close low-lying roads. Residents are reminded to stay away from all watercourses and structures such as
bridges, culverts, and dams. High water levels, fast flowing water, and slippery conditions along stream banks make these locations extremely dangerous.
Saugeen Conservation staff will be closely monitoring the situation and will provide an update if conditions change.
This message will remain in place until Tuesday, January 3, 2023 at 4:00PM and significant rainfall forecast for Tuesday, January 3, 2023 may extend this warning.
