Lower Trent Conservation is advising local municipalities and the public that a flood outlook statement has been issued for Lake Ontario and Bay of Quinte shoreline from Grafton to Quinte West.
“Residents along the shoreline should be aware of the potential for erosion and flooding,” said the conservation authority, noting this latest statement is an update to a previously issued alert at the start of the month.
A rise in Lake Ontario water levels over the spring has moved the lake to above normal levels for this time of year, adding officials, while explaining Lake Ontario water levels increased to 75.30 metres above sea level by the end of April, which represents an increase of 0.76 m since the start of March.
“This is in response to significant precipitation throughout the Lake Ontario basin, high inflows from Lake Erie, and spring freshet flows from local inputs. Lake Ontario outflows have slowly been increasing to allow more water to exit the system to stabilize water levels on Lake Ontario.”
Meanwhile, LTC said the International Lake Ontario-St. Lawrence River Board is also closely monitoring conditions and adjusting Lake Ontario outflows frequently in accordance with regulation plan 2014.
“Currently, the lake level at Cobourg is approximately 75.3 metres above sea level, which is 35 centimetres above the long-term average for May,” added Lower Trent. “Although Lake Ontario water levels are above average for this time of year, the observed water levels are currently well below the extreme highs of 2017 and 2019.
“It is forecast that the water levels will remain elevated throughout the spring and summer months and possibly into September, at which time, water levels should continue to decrease towards more seasonal averages. High onshore winds could also result in greater short-term fluctuations of water levels, as well as increased flooding and erosion, explained the authority.
Water levels for the Great Lakes naturally vary, responding monthly, seasonally and annually to a variety of factors. Water levels are primarily influenced by natural factors, including precipitation, evaporation, winds, runoff from rivers or streams and inflow from upstream Great Lakes, said LTC.
The Moses Saunders Dam, approved by the International Joint Commission in the 1950s, also provides some control over water levels and flows. Lake Ontario typically reaches its seasonal high-water level in May-June, continued Lower Trent.
“Residents living along Lake Ontario and the Bay of Quinte should expect further increases in water levels for at least the next month.”
Lower Trent continues to encourage residents to ensure personal property like boats, docks, et cetera, along shorelines, are secured. Meanwhile, property owners are being reminded that any work along shorelines requires permits.
A flood outlook statement previously issued for the Trent River on May 1 also remains in effect until May 15.
The latest flood outlook statement for Lake Ontario and Bay Quinte shoreline is anticipated to remain in effect until June 30 unless updated before then.
