By Staff
May 1st, 2019
BURLINGTON, ON
The latest information provided by the International Lake Ontario – St. Lawrence River Board (ILOSLRB) indicates that Lake Ontario levels will continue to rise rapidly this coming week given the current flooding conditions within the lower St. Lawrence River combined with additional forecasted rainfall over the affected watershed area.
The latest daily mean water level of 75.38 m (IGLD 1985 Datum) is approximately 40 cm above the historical average for this time of year but is below the levels observed in 2017. Although forecast data indicates that the current level could rise an additional 15 cm during the coming week, with the potential for a greater increase depending on rainfall amounts, it is not expected that water levels will reach those recorded in 2017.
Notwithstanding, long-term Lake Ontario levels are expected to remain well above seasonal average values through May and into June.
Wave Action
Conservation Halton advises that Environment Canada has issued a strong wind warning that remains in effect throughout today. Sustained winds of 20 km/hr from the east with gusts up to 50 km/hr are occurring across western Lake Ontario. Resulting wave heights of 1 to 2 m can be expected.
That would be wave action.
In light of the elevated lake levels and strong winds, Conservation Halton is asking all residents and children to exercise caution around Lake Ontario shoreline areas. Elevated water levels combined with the potential for waves to overtop breakwalls and other shoreline structures continue to make these locations extremely dangerous. Please alert children in your care of these imminent dangers.
This Flood Outlook – Lake Ontario Shoreline message will remain in effect until further notice. 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.
Water level forecasts: Click here.
A Water Safety is issued when high flows, unsafe banks, melting ice or other factors that could be dangerous for recreational users such as anglers, canoeist, hikers, children, pets, etc. Flooding is not expected.
