Back to SearchFlood Watch: Tuesday, January 20th, 2026 to Tuesday, January 27th, 2026
Main Saugeen River and Tributaries in the Municipality of West Grey
Saugeen Conservation advises that the Flood Outlook statement previously issued for the Municipality of West Grey has been upgraded to a Flood Watch statement.
MUNICIPALITY OF WEST GREY –
Frazil ice has begun to collect in the channel downstream of the Durham Lower Dam which has caused water levels to gradually rise in this area since Monday, January 19th, 2026. A partial blockage of the channel is also present between the Durham Upper Dam and Durham Middle Dam, creating rapidly changing conditions below McGowan Falls.
Frazil ice production is expected to continue for the next several days. Much of the Main Saugeen River between Priceville and Durham lacks an ice cover, which can help to reduce frazil ice production. Some relief from the extreme cold temperatures is expected on Wednesday, January 21st before they return going into this weekend. With the windchill factor, daytime highs between Friday, January 23rd and Sunday, January 25th are expected to range from -16°C to -24°C. Nighttime lows are expected to range between -24°C and -30°C.
Frazil ice is a natural winter occurrence in Ontario rivers. It can happen when open water meets cold air and may lead to localized high-water conditions in certain areas. The Durham area is especially prone to these conditions.
SVCA and Municipality of West Grey staff continue to work together to prioritize public safety, with SVCA actively communicating flood forecasting information to municipal staff. As part of these efforts, municipal staff are encouraged to remain prepared to respond should conditions require action.
The public is advised to avoid the Main Saugeen River between the Durham Lower Dam and community ball diamonds, as West Grey will have equipment working in this area to remove blockages in the channel. The public is also reminded that the Durham Upper Dam walkway, trail between the Upper Dam and Middle Dam, and Lower Dam walkway are closed for safety. The public is asked to avoid these areas until further notice.
Saugeen Conservation, in its capacity as a Flood Forecasting and Warning agency, will continue to closely monitor the situation and will provide updates as needed. This statement remains in effect until January 27th, 2026 at 4:30pm unless otherwise updated.
To report flooding: www.saugeenconservation.ca/reportflood
Website: www.saugeenconservation.ca
For more information: Jody Duncan, Flood Forecasting and Warning Coordinator
Email: floodcoordinator@svca.on.ca | Cell: (519) 369-8247
Media inquiries: Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority
Email: media@svca.on.ca | Cell: 519-369-4295
Contact Us
Subscribe