Shoreline Conditions Statement – Water Safety: St. Lawrence River Static Water Level
South Nation Conservation (SNC) has downgraded the Flood Watch for the St. Lawrence River issued on April 12, 2020, to a Water Safety.
Weather Forecast:
No significant rainfall is currently in the weather forecast.
Environmental Conditions:
According to the International Lake Ontario – St. Lawrence River Board, Lake Ontario’s water levels remain above average for this time of year but have peaked and are declining. Levels are expected to continue declining in the coming weeks depending on weather conditions.
High inflows from Lake Erie continue into Lake Ontario, which will prevent any rapid lowering of Lake Ontario’s levels.
Lake Ontario’s water levels dropped to 75.31 m this week; 24 cm above average; and 60 cm below those observed at this time in 2019.
Risks:
Levels in Lake Ontario influence levels in the upper St. Lawrence River, particularly from Kingston to Iroquois, including Maitland, Johnstown and Cardinal.
As Lake Ontario levels remain above 75.30 m, there is increased potential for shoreline flooding, flooding in low-lying areas, basement and septic system inundation, and wave-driven erosion.
Residents are advised that strong winds may cause large waves, further aggravating water levels which may affect structures close to shore.
ACTION:
Residents are advised to exercise caution when near watercourses as flows may rapidly increase and cause slippery or unstable banks. Parents are encouraged to explain these dangers to their children.
Residents in flood prone or low-lying areas, historically susceptible to flooding, should take the necessary precautions to protect their property:
- Ensuring sump pump is clear, in good working condition and has a backwater valve on it.
- Portable backup generator and pump.
- Ensuring downspouts are clear and the outlet is at least 3 m from
the dwelling. - Removing or securing items that might float away as flows increase.
- Removing valuable items from basements or lower floors that could be subject to flooding.
- Keep emergency phone numbers handy.
- Familiarize yourself with your municipality’s emergency preparedness plan.
Duration:
This statement is in effect until Friday, July 10, 2020.
SNC monitors the water levels and weather forecasts as part of the Flood Forecasting and Warning Program. Updates are provided as conditions change.
The International Lake Ontario – St. Lawrence River Board continues to monitor conditions on an ongoing basis. Information on hydrologic conditions, water levels and outflows, including graphics and photos, are available on the Board’s website at www.ijc.org/en/loslrb.
Please visit www.nation.on.ca for more information. To provide feedback with respect to changes in water related conditions please email waterwatch@nation.on.ca, posted on our Facebook (/SouthNationConservation) or Twitter (@SouthNationCA).
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Geoff Owens, SNC Regulations Officer,
613-551-9170, gowens@nation.on.ca
MEDIA CONTACT: Taylor Campbell, SNC Communications Specialist,
613-551-7158, tcampbell@nation.on.ca.
Forwarded to: All Flood Forecasting and Warning Directory
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