By Staff
August 1st, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
Wonderful weather.
But the water level in Lake Ontario is still higher than normal – receding yes – but all it will take is one handful of a rain storm and we will be back to the water levels that are a concern,
Conservation Halton has issued its most recent Water Watch Report.
These are the major creeks that run through Burlington – their flooding in 2014 caused millions of dollars in damage and huge havoc to thousands of households.
The latest information provided by the International Lake Ontario – St. Lawrence River Board (ILOSLRB) indicates that Lake Ontario reached a mean daily water level of 75.72 m on July 30th, declining just under 1cm per day during the preceding week. The latest water level is 20 cm below this year’s peak level (recorded on June 15th), but remains 77 cm above average and continues to be a record level for this time of year. Record high outflows (equivalent to the peak releases during June to August of 2017) continue to be released to lower the lake level and provide some relief to shoreline stakeholders, while also considering the effects of higher flows on interests in the St. Lawrence River.
Lake Ontario levels are expected to continue to slowly decline in the coming days, with the forecasted drier conditions combined with the continuation of record-high outflows. Notwithstanding, water levels will remain elevated for the next several weeks and well into the summer months as record inflows from Lake Erie are expected to continue.
All shoreline areas should be considered dangerous during this time. Localized flooding combined with the potential for waves to overtop break walls and other shoreline structures continue to make these locations extremely dangerous. Conservation Halton is asking all residents to exercise caution around Lake Ontario shoreline areas and to alert children in your care of these imminent dangers.
This Flood Watch – Lake Ontario Shoreline message will remain in effect until August 15th. Conservation Halton will continue to monitor Lake Ontario wind conditions and lake levels closely and will either terminate this message or issue further updates as necessary.
