Flood Watch in Clarksburg Due to Frazil Ice

Update: Tuesday, February 3 at 9:30 a.m. - Water levels in the Beaver River through Clarksburg have stabilized, and the Flood Watch issued by the Grey Sauble Conservation Authority has expired. Residents are advised to remain aware of changing conditions as water levels remain higher than normal. An excavator will be held on standby and can be called upon on short notice if required to continuing clearing the river. 

Update: Monday, February 2 at 3:30 p.m. - Water levels remain high, but are stable or have been dropping slightly through Clarksburg to the Thornbury Dam. The excavator remains on standby and can be called upon on short notice if required to continuing clearing the river

Update: Friday, January 30 at 9:00 a.m. - The water level of the Beaver River is continuing to drop in Clarksburg. The Beaver River has frozen over in Slabtown, reducing the amount of frazil ice coming downstream into Clarksburg. Ministry of Natural Resources staff were successful in lowering the water levels at the Mill Pond, and the excavator continues to clear frazil ice in Clarksburg. Staff will continue to monitor conditions in the area.

Update: Thursday, January 29 - Crews are continuing work to clear the frazil ice, and water levels between Clarksburg and Thornbury have dropped, with the water progressing to the Mill Pond. In Clarksburg, the water levels remain high but stable and have not changed overnight. The snow and cold weather are continuing to generate frazil ice in the Beaver River. Today, Town staff are working with the Ministry of Natural Resources to further lower the water level at the Thornbury Dam.

What is Frazil Ice?

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Frazil ice is made up of tiny, slushy ice crystals that form in fast-moving, super-cooled water during very cold weather. Unlike solid surface ice, frazil ice forms within the water itself and stays suspended as it flows downstream. As frazil ice travels, the crystals can clump together and attach to existing ice, riverbanks, rocks and other structures. These buildups restrict the normal flow of water. In some cases, frazil ice can contribute to the formation of ice jams which lead to sudden and unpredictable increases in water levels. These rapid changes can elevate the risk of localized flooding, especially in rivers, creeks and other watercourses during prolonged cold spells. 

www.thebluemountains.ca/flooding or contact:

Operations Department
Town of The Blue Mountains
(519) 599-3131 ext. 276

John Bittorf
Flood Duty Officer
j.bittorf@greysauble.on.ca
(548) 877-0585