Water levels across the Lake Ontario-St. Lawrence River system have remained relatively stable this summer, despite ongoing drought conditions, according to the International Lake Ontario-St. Lawrence River Board.
Lake Ontario levels stayed close to the seasonal long-term average from June through August, fluctuating within about two inches. Upper St. Lawrence River levels were slightly above average, due in part to reduced outflows from Lake Ontario. Outflow rates this summer were the lowest seen since 2012, helping maintain higher river levels than usual. Lower St. Lawrence River, including Lake St. Louis and Montreal Harbour, saw a steady decline in water levels from mid-July to mid-August, also reaching lows not seen since 2012.
Both Canadian and U.S. drought monitors report moderate drought in western Lake Ontario and abnormally dry conditions throughout the central and eastern basin. These dry conditions are contributing to reduced water supplies and lower river flows.
The Board continues to regulate outflows through the Moses-Saunders Dam under Plan 2014, ensuring minimum water levels for commercial navigation at Lake St. Louis. Weekly forecasts are available at https://ijc.org/en/loslrb/watershed/forecasts to help residents and stakeholders anticipate future changes.
Officials urge residents and businesses to prepare for fluctuations, as water levels are heavily influenced by weather patterns and can vary year to year. For more details, visit https://ijc.org/en/loslrb/watershed/outflow-changes.
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