Issued on: January 23, 2026 (4:00pm)Issued by: Ian Eriksen, GSCA Flood Duty Officer To: Beaver River Watershed Municipalities and Media Message: Due to the extreme cold temperatures over the past few days, combined with the fact that the Beaver River has not fully frozen over, frazil ice is being generated within the turbulent flow reaches of the river upstream of Clarksburg. Frazil ice has begun to collect in the Beaver River within Clarksburg which has caused water levels to rise significantly within the past 24 hours.
With windchill temperatures forecast to remain near or below –18C for the next 4 to 5 days, the potential exists for frazil ice to continue being produced upstream of Clarksburg until the Beaver River freezes over.
Starting this morning, Town of the Blue Mountains crews and contractors are utilizing a long-reach excavator to remove frazil ice from the river to promote flow. The frazil ice removal is expected to continue throughout the daytime hours over the weekend.
Flood Watches are issued when flooding is possible along local watercourses. Landowners within known flood prone areas in Clarksburg should monitor their situation and be prepared in case of flooding.
Grey Sauble staff will continue to monitor the weather and the flows and provide additional updates as needed.
This Statement expires Tuesday, January 27th, 2026 at 4:30pm unless replaced by further updates.Contact: Ian Eriksen, Flood Duty Officer, i.eriksen@greysauble.on.ca, ph 548-877-0701
January 22nd
The Town of The Blue Mountains would like to advise the public and nearby residents that the Beaver River is being actively monitored by Town staff and the Grey Sauble Conservation Authority to manage the development of frazil ice.
As a precautionary measure, the Town has worked with the Ministry of Natural Resources & Forestry to lower the water level in the Mill Pond to help mitigate flooding. In addition, Town crews and contractors will be utilizing a long-reach excavator to remove frazil ice from the river to promote water flow beginning Friday, January 23.
The excavator will be operating in the area north of William Street in Clarksburg along the Beaver River Trail. If you live nearby or are in the general area of the excavation equipment, please ensure that you give equipment operators plenty of room to ensure safety.
Town staff will continue to monitor the situation over the weekend as the cold temperatures persist.
Further updates will be posted to the Town website if required.For more information, please contact:Operations Department
519-599-3131 ext. 276 