Frazil ice prompts flood watch for Durham

Frazil ice forming in Saugeen River in Durham, seen in January 2025. (Scott Miller/CTV News London)

Residents are watching the Saugeen River gradually rise in their town, following the formation of frazil ice.

Heavy equipment was working on trying to break up a partial blockage of the Saugeen River due to frazil ice behind the Durham arena over the past few days.

Officials with the Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority and Municipality of West Grey say they are watching the situation closely.

While frazil ice is a naturally occurring phenomenon in Ontario rivers, Durham is especially prone to it.

In 1997, 100 Durham residents had to be evacuated after frazil ice caused the Saugeen River to become blocked, sending ice and water into parts of the town.