RELEASE — The Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority (CRCA) has extended the Flood Warning today for Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River as water levels remain at record highs.
Water levels on Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River have been declining since water levels peaked at the end of May.
Rain received in the last few days has caused levels to rise slightly but it is expected that levels will continue to drop over the summer months. Shoreline flooding and erosion from high waves is still possible during storms and periods of strong winds, like those experienced over the weekend.
The International Lake Ontario – St. Lawrence River Board reports that the average water level for Lake Ontario was 75.80 metres (m) as of June 27, 2017. This is 8 cm lower than the peak level of 75.88 that was recorded on May 29.
The water level measured today at Kingston is currently 75.7 m, which is 0.3 m below the Lake Ontario 100-year flood elevation of 76.0 m. The current level of the St. Lawrence River measured at Brockville is 75.4 m. This is 0.4 m below the 100-year level of 75.8 metres in that area along the River.
Shoreline residents are reminded that any work near the water (e.g. placement of fill, armour stone, etc.) will require a permit from the CRCA. Call our office or visit our website www.crca.ca for further information.
The CRCA is urging residents to take care along the shoreline and on the water as levels drop over the coming weeks. Unsafe/unstable banks may exist due to recent erosion, high water and wave action has deposited debris along shorelines and beaches, and floating debris could cause hazardous conditions for boaters.
For further information on Lake Ontario visit www.ontario.ca/flooding.
For up to date flooding information, please visit the CRCA’s flood forecasting and information page at www.crca.ca/flood.
CRCA staff will continue to monitor conditions, forecasts, and update statements as needed.
This Flood Warning will remain in effect until Friday July 28, 2017.
Flood Warning: Flooding is imminent or already occurring in specific watercourses or municipalities. Municipalities and individuals should take action to deal with flood conditions. This may include road closures and evacuations.
Photo: Ad Meskens / Wikimedia Commons (cc)
