FLOOD WATCH: ST. LAWRENCE RIVER – UPDATE #6
This statement is an update to South Nation Conservation’s (SNC) Flood Watch: St. Lawrence River issued on May 30, 2017.
SNC continues to caution residents along low-lying areas of the St. Lawrence River in the Township of Augusta, Township of Edwardsburgh/Cardinal, and the Township of South Dundas.
According to the International Lake Ontario – St. Lawrence River Board, “Lake Ontario continues to gradually decline and is 6 cm lower than the peak level of 75.88 m that was recorded on May 29. The International Lake Ontario - St. Lawrence River Board agreed to increase outflows from Lake Ontario through the Moses-Saunders Dam on the St. Lawrence River in Cornwall to 10,400 m3/s starting June 14, 2017 in order to slightly increase the rate of decline in Lake Ontario levels. This will be the highest Lake Ontario outflow that has ever been released on a sustained basis. The flow of 10,400 m3/s will initially be tested for a 72-hour period to allow the Board and stakeholders to monitor any effects it may have. The St. Lawrence Seaway has advised the Board that significant, additional mitigation measures will be deployed to maintain safety of navigation during these higher flows. Recreational boaters in the St. Lawrence River should also continue to be cautious of the extreme conditions.”
Environment and Climate Change Canada is forecasting 20 - 30 mm of precipitation from Cornwall to Toronto over the next week. Water levels upstream of the Moses-Saunders Dam in Cornwall may slowly decline, but remain above average for this time of year at least until the end of June.
Wind may cause higher waves, further aggravating water levels which may affect structures closer to the shore.
Residents are advised to stay away from watercourses where flows are high and where banks might be unstable. Parents are encouraged to explain these dangers to their children.
Staff will continue to monitor the water levels and weather forecasts as part of the Flood Forecasting and Warning Program and will provide updates in the event conditions change.
The public is encouraged to visit www.nation.on.ca and to also report changes in water-related conditions, soil stress fractures (i.e. cracks in soil), abrupt changes in streambanks, or sudden leaning of trees in their local areas. All feedback and photos can be sent to waterwatch@nation.on.ca, posted on our Facebook page (/SouthNationConservation), or Tweeted to us (@SouthNationCA).
For more information please contact the Flood Duty Officers: Jason Symington at 613-984-2948 ext. 230 or Michael Jones at 613-984-2948 ext. 310.
This statement is in effect until Monday, June 19, 2017.
Forwarded To: All Flood Forecasting and Warning Directory
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