Back to SearchFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 30, 2019
QUINTE CONSERVATION MAINTAINS FLOOD WARNING FOR LAKE ONTARIO AND THE BAY OF QUINTE – UPDATE #2
Lake Ontario has reached the record daily peak of 75.88 m which was experienced from May 25 to May 28, 2017. This peak is 82 cm above average for this time of year. Water levels will continue to slowly rise, reaching its peak within 1-3 weeks.
Most forecast modelling scenarios suggest a peak of approximately 5 cm above current water levels. If increased amounts of precipitation are experienced over the Lake Ontario Watershed, there is a chance of a greater rise in lake levels.
Water levels will remain near seasonal highs for the next few weeks before slowly beginning to decline.
Lake Ontario water levels are influenced by uncontrolled, above average outflows from Lake Erie, and local rainfall and runoff throughout the Lake Ontario Watershed, and reduced Lake Ontario outflows, in order to balance flooding impacts on the St. Lawrence River. Lake Erie water levels and outflows into Lake Ontario remain at a record high. St. Lawrence River levels around Montreal remain near record highs for this time of year. Ottawa River flows continue to slowly decline. Flooding continues on the Lower St. Lawrence River. Flooding and other high water impacts continue on Lake Erie, Lake Ontario, and the Upper St. Lawrence River.
Outflows from Lake Ontario will continue to increase as rapidly as conditions will allow in accordance with the Plan 2014 F-Limit.
Flooding and other high water impacts have been reported from areas of Lake Ontario and the upper St. Lawrence River during periods of strong winds.
Shoreline residents are advised to either secure or remove loose items from their properties where there is a risk of encroaching flood water. Sandbags can be effective in protecting residences. Sandbags are not intended to protect accessory buildings. For more information on shoreline protection, contact the Quinte Conservation office and speak with expert staff in the planning and regulations department.
Boaters need to be cautious of floating debris and should take proper safety precautions when out on the water. Boaters should reduce speeds and wakes when boating along shorelines to reduce the localized flooding and erosion.
It is important that the public never wade through or play in flood water as it is extremely unsafe. Flood water can be contaminated with septic and hazardous debris.
Residents concerned that their shoreline well or septic has been compromised, should contact their local health unit. Do not drink the water and find an alternative water source to use. This message does not apply to municipal drinking water systems.
Residents are advised to obey any posted road closure signs and to check with their municipality for updates on road closures and boat launch closures.
Staff will continue to monitor conditions and will provide an update if forecasts and conditions change. For current water levels or to report any observations of flooding, residents are encouraged to visit QuinteConservation.ca.
A FLOOD WARNING statement indicates that 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.
This message will be in effect until (or updated if anything significant changes before) Friday, June 7, 2019.
QUINTE CONSERVATION MAINTAINS FLOOD WARNING FOR LAKE ONTARIO AND THE BAY OF QUINTE – UPDATE #2
Lake Ontario has reached the record daily peak of 75.88 m which was experienced from May 25 to May 28, 2017. This peak is 82 cm above average for this time of year. Water levels will continue to slowly rise, reaching its peak within 1-3 weeks.
Most forecast modelling scenarios suggest a peak of approximately 5 cm above current water levels. If increased amounts of precipitation are experienced over the Lake Ontario Watershed, there is a chance of a greater rise in lake levels.
Water levels will remain near seasonal highs for the next few weeks before slowly beginning to decline.
Lake Ontario water levels are influenced by uncontrolled, above average outflows from Lake Erie, and local rainfall and runoff throughout the Lake Ontario Watershed, and reduced Lake Ontario outflows, in order to balance flooding impacts on the St. Lawrence River. Lake Erie water levels and outflows into Lake Ontario remain at a record high. St. Lawrence River levels around Montreal remain near record highs for this time of year. Ottawa River flows continue to slowly decline. Flooding continues on the Lower St. Lawrence River. Flooding and other high water impacts continue on Lake Erie, Lake Ontario, and the Upper St. Lawrence River.
Outflows from Lake Ontario will continue to increase as rapidly as conditions will allow in accordance with the Plan 2014 F-Limit.
Flooding and other high water impacts have been reported from areas of Lake Ontario and the upper St. Lawrence River during periods of strong winds.
Shoreline residents are advised to either secure or remove loose items from their properties where there is a risk of encroaching flood water. Sandbags can be effective in protecting residences. Sandbags are not intended to protect accessory buildings. For more information on shoreline protection, contact the Quinte Conservation office and speak with expert staff in the planning and regulations department.
Boaters need to be cautious of floating debris and should take proper safety precautions when out on the water. Boaters should reduce speeds and wakes when boating along shorelines to reduce the localized flooding and erosion.
It is important that the public never wade through or play in flood water as it is extremely unsafe. Flood water can be contaminated with septic and hazardous debris.
Residents concerned that their shoreline well or septic has been compromised, should contact their local health unit. Do not drink the water and find an alternative water source to use. This message does not apply to municipal drinking water systems.
Residents are advised to obey any posted road closure signs and to check with their municipality for updates on road closures and boat launch closures.
Staff will continue to monitor conditions and will provide an update if forecasts and conditions change. For current water levels or to report any observations of flooding, residents are encouraged to visit QuinteConservation.ca.
A FLOOD WARNING statement indicates that 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.
This message will be in effect until (or updated if anything significant changes before) Friday, June 7, 2019.
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