Frazzle ice situation improves in Durham

Excavators dig out frazzle ice from the Saugeen River in Durham, seen on Jan. 10, 2025. (Scott Miller/CTV News London)

Extensive use of excavators to dig out “frazzle ice” buildup in the Saugeen River in Durham has worked.

The Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority says water levels in the Saugeen River have come down, allowing a downgrade from a flood watch to a flood outlook.

As many as six excavators started removing ice from the Saugeen River, near Durham’s ball diamonds, on Jan. 8.

Frazzle ice, which is caused by turbulent waters and very cold temperatures, has been a problem in Durham for decades.

A 20-year pilot project designed to limit frazzle ice through Durham ended this winter by the Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority, over concerns about the integrity of Durham’s Upper Dam, that was holding back that frazzle ice each winter.

The conservation authority says more extreme cold weather forecast for next weekend could bring the return of frazzle ice, but staff will be monitoring the situation as closely as possible, and will change the flood outlook, if required.