Flood Watch Extended Across Grey Sauble Watershed as Warm Weather, Rain Raise Flood Risk
Grey Sauble Conservation Authority has extended a flood watch across the watershed as snowmelt and up to 40 mm of rain forecast this week could raise river levels.
Video from Harrison Park, March 8, 2026. Owen Sound Current.
The Grey Sauble Conservation Authority (GSCA) has extended a flood watch across its watershed after heavy rain and rapid snowmelt pushed water levels above typical spring runoff levels in several local rivers.
Some waterways peaked over the weekend and have already begun to recede, but others remain elevated as warm temperatures and strong winds continue to accelerate snowmelt across the region, according to a flood message issued Monday by GSCA Flood Duty Officer Ian Eriksen.
The high water levels have already led to some road closures due to flooding in parts of the watershed.
Rain Could Trigger Additional Flooding
The conservation authority says the risk of further flooding will depend largely on rainfall expected later this week.
Environment forecasts call for 20 to 40 millimetres of rain beginning late Tuesday night and continuing through Wednesday, which could cause river levels to rise again if waterways remain high heading into the storm.
“With temperatures forecast to remain above seasonal, the existing snowpack will continue to release its water content,” the authority said in its advisory.
While much of the snowpack has already melted, snow remains in some areas such as wooded lots and wind-blown drifts, continuing to feed runoff into local streams and rivers.
The Sauble River system remains particularly high, and areas such as Allenford could see water levels exceed those recorded during the weekend if rainfall is significant.
Residents Urged to Stay Clear of Waterways
GSCA is urging residents to stay alert around rivers and streams while flows remain elevated.
Fast-moving water, slippery banks, and melting ice can create dangerous conditions near waterways during runoff events, the authority warned.
Flood watches are issued when flooding is possible along local watercourses. Property owners in low-lying or flood-prone areas are encouraged to monitor conditions and be prepared in case water levels rise.
Grey Sauble staff will continue monitoring weather conditions and river flows and will issue updates if conditions change.
The current flood watch remains in effect until noon Friday, March 13, unless replaced by a new advisory.
Residents can monitor rainfall totals, snowpack levels, and stream flows through the Grey Sauble watershed conditions page on the conservation authority’s website.
Related:
