Lake Ontario water levels have reached 248.85 feet and will likely reach or exceed the 2017 record high of 248.95 feet within the next few days. Forecasts show that Lake Ontario levels are expected to crest within the next one to three weeks, mostly likely within one inch of the record high, but potentially higher levels are possible should wet weather continue.
The main drivers for the high water levels continue to be the uncontrolled and record-high inflows from Lake Erie through the Niagara River and above average precipitation across the Lake Ontario and Ottawa River basins for this time of year.
Outflows from Lake Ontario have been increasing since May 16, and further Lake Ontario outflow increases are expected to continue as frequently as conditions allow.
Levels are still above the criterion H14 high level that applies this time of year, authorizing the International Lake Ontario – St. Lawrence River Board to deviate from regulation Plan 2014.
With high water impacts continuing both upstream and downstream, the Board has decided to continue to adjust outflows according to the F-limit rules of Plan 2014. The F-limit tries to balance high levels upstream on Lake Ontario and the upper St. Lawrence, with those downstream on Lake St. Louis and the lower St. Lawrence.
The intent is to balance high water levels in the interests of all stakeholders, and to regulate Lake Ontario outflows to provide all possible relief to shoreline property owners and communities both upstream and downstream of the Moses-Saunders Power Dam.
Information on hydrologic conditions, water levels and outflows, including graphics and photos, are available on the Board’s website and posted to the Board’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/InternationalLakeOntarioStLawrenceRiverBoard, and more detailed information is available on its website at https://www.ijc.org/en/loslrb.
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