ABCA issues watershed conditions statement—Flood outlook/water safety

Warm temperatures and additional rainfall from Thursday, January 8, 2026 are expected to increase water levels across the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) watershed area into Friday and Saturday.

With additional rainfall and temperatures expected to remain positive, further snowmelt and runoff is anticipated. Current forecasts and models indicate that water levels and flows are expected to begin to peak Friday, with the largest rivers peaking Saturday. 

Significant flooding is not expected at this time but flooding may occur in low-lying floodplain areas.

Residents are advised to use caution near creeks and rivers and to keep children and pets well away from all waterways. Slippery, snow-covered or drifted streambanks, and fast-moving, cold water can pose serious safety hazards. Any ice remaining on waterbodies should be considered unsafe.

This message will remain in effect until 12:00 p.m. Monday, January 12, 2026, unless otherwise updated. 

See the full notice on the Ausable Bayfield flood messages page.