Flood Forecasting and Warning

Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority operates a Flood Forecasting and Warning System, which involves the collection and analysis of water level, flow, and precipitation data through our Hydrometric Monitoring Network, and the monitoring of weather conditions in order to assess the risk of flooding.

Short and long-range weather forecasts from the Surface Water Monitoring Centre, Environment and Climate Change Canada , and other sources are reviewed daily to monitor local conditions and track major weather systems across the watershed.

For more information on our Flood Forecasting and Warning System, please contact the Flood Forecasting and Warning Coordinator. To report flooding please use our public flood reporting form; if you are in danger, please call 911.

Flood Messages

Low Water Response

Flood Data Collection Sites

Flood Message Levels

SVCA issues the following types of flood messages. Active flood messages are shown by the flood status indicator on the homepage of our website, circulated by press release to local media, communicated directly to municipal officials and emergency services, distributed through social media. Emergency services and municipalities are responsible for relaying the message to relevant individuals and departments, and activating municipal emergency response procedures, which includes taking actions to warn residents.

Subscribe to SVCA's flood message system by clicking this link. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.

Level 1 - Watershed Conditions Statement

There are two categories of watershed conditions statements:

Water Safety: Provides early notice that high flows, melting ice or other factors could lead to dangerous watercourse conditions but flooding is not expected.
Flood Outlook: Provides early notice of the potential for flooding based on the development of heavy rain, snow melt, etc.

Level 1 - Shoreline Conditions Statement

There are two categories of shoreline conditions statements:

Water Safety: indicates that high water, melting ice or other factors along the Lake Huron shoreline could lead to dangerous conditions, but flooding is not expected.
Flood Outlook: provides early notice of the potential for flooding on the Lake Huron shoreline based on weather and lake conditions.

Level 2 - Flood Watch

Indicates that the potential for flooding exists. Municipalities, emergency services and individual landowners in flood-prone areas should take appropriate preparations and monitor conditions.

Level 3 - Flood Warning

Indicates that flooding is imminent or already occurring. Municipalities and individuals should take appropriate action to deal with flood conditions, including municipal officials issuing warnings to residents and businesses that may be at risk of flooding.

Flood Forecasting and Warning Information Presentation

SVCA staff have presented information about the flood forecasting and warning program to local interest groups, stakeholders, and emergency management teams. Click to open or download the PDF.