FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 15, 2020
The rise in Lake Ontario’s water level has slowed and is likely to be nearing its seasonal peak. Water levels declined 3 cm during the cool, dry conditions this past week, but heavy rain is forecast in the coming days and levels are likely to stabilize or slightly increase again this coming week. Lake Ontario remains on track to peak in the coming week, well below the record-highs of 2017 and 2019. The International Lake Ontario – St. Lawrence River Board has forecasted that if the weather conditions continue within normal ranges for this time of year, the water levels are predicted to begin their seasonal decline in the coming weeks.
Unprecedented inflows from Lake Erie into Lake Ontario have kept water levels elevated over the past few months. Lake Erie remains near record-highs, and this will prevent any rapid lowering of Lake Ontario levels.
Residents are advised to check local weather and wave forecasts for warnings as high wind and waves can cause shoreline erosion and wave uprush. For information on flooding or for resources on Lake Ontario water levels, visit QuinteConservation.ca.
Staff will continue to monitor conditions and will provide an update if forecasts and conditions change.
A FLOOD WATCH STATEMENT notifies that the potential for flooding exists within specific watercourses and municipalities. Municipalities, emergency services and individual landowners in flood-prone areas should prepare.
This message will be in effect until (or updated before) May 29, 2020
Quinte Conservation is a community-based environmental protection agency. It serves 18 municipalities in the watersheds of the Moira, Napanee and Salmon Rivers and Prince Edward County. It provides cost-effective environmental expertise and leadership. Quinte Conservation’s main goal is to create a sustainable ecosystem where people and nature live in harmony. More information about Quinte Conservation is available at www.quinteconservation.ca.
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For more information contact:
Christine McClure, Water Resources Manager
(613) 968-3434 ext. 130 OR (613) 354-3312 ext. 130