Residents of Durham and the Municipality of West Grey are being urged to remain vigilant as frazil ice accumulation continues to threaten areas along the Main Saugeen River.
Saugeen Conservation has updated its Flood Watch advisory, in effect until January 20, 2025, warning of rising water levels and the potential for localized flooding. Water levels downstream of the Durham Lower Dam have increased due to frazil and slush ice accumulating in the river channel, particularly near the Durham Community Centre. This follows earlier improvements upstream, where water levels below the Durham Upper Dam receded after a channel formed through the ice.
Frazil ice—a slushy, unpredictable type of ice formed in frigid temperatures—remains a persistent concern. The Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority (SVCA) expects production of this ice to continue in the coming days, further elevating flood risks.
To address these concerns, the Municipality of West Grey and SVCA staff are coordinating efforts to monitor and manage the situation. West Grey Mayor Kevin Eccles emphasized the importance of preparation.
“We’re doing everything we can to ensure public safety, including keeping equipment on standby to clear potential blockages,” he said.
Residents are advised to avoid the Main Saugeen River near the Durham Lower Dam and surrounding areas, as municipal crews may deploy heavy equipment to remove blockages. The walkway at the Durham Upper Dam and the trail between the Upper and Middle Dams remain closed to the public.
The current situation recalls Durham’s frazil ice flooding disaster in January 1997, which displaced over 200 residents and caused more than $1.1 million in damages. In response to that event, boards were installed at the Durham Upper Dam to regulate water flow. However, these boards were removed last November after engineering assessments revealed they risked structural failure under high-pressure ice conditions.
The SVCA continues to monitor river conditions 24/7 and will issue updates as needed. For now, residents are reminded to stay clear of restricted areas and report any signs of flooding or ice blockages to local authorities.