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FLOOD WATCH: ST. LAWRENCE RIVER – UPDATE #2


12-May-2017 12-May-2017

This statement is an update to South Nation Conservation’s (SNC) Flood Watch: St. Lawrence River issued on May 9, 2017. 

South Nation Conservation (SNC) continues to caution residents along low-lying areas of the St. Lawrence River in the Township of Augusta, Township of Edwardsburgh/Cardinal, and the Township of South Dundas.  St. Lawrence River water levels are slowly declining, but are expected to remain high over the coming weeks due to high water levels in Lake Ontario and the forecasted 10-15 mm of precipitation this weekend.

According to the International Lake Ontario – St. Lawrence River Board: “Levels of Lake St. Lawrence, immediately upstream of Moses-Saunders Dam, have begun to decline as a result of recent flow increases. In response, gates at the Iroquois Dam (which had previously been lowered to suppress high levels on Lake St. Lawrence following recent flow reductions) were repositioned on May 10 and they will continue to be adjusted as outflows from Moses Saunders continue to increase over the coming days.”

Residents are also advised that wind may cause higher waves, further aggravating water levels which may affect structures closer to the shore.

Residents are advised to stay away from watercourses where flows are high and where banks might be unstable.  Parents are encouraged to explain these dangers to their children.

Staff will continue to monitor the water levels and weather forecasts as part of the Flood Forecasting and Warning Program and will provide updates in the event conditions change.

The public is encouraged to visit www.nation.on.ca and to also report changes in water-related conditions, soil stress fractures (i.e. cracks in soil), abrupt changes in streambanks, or sudden leaning of trees in their local areas. All feedback and photos can be sent to waterwatch@nation.on.ca, posted on our Facebook page (/SouthNationConservation), or Tweeted to us (@SouthNationCA).

For more information please contact the Flood Duty Officers: Jason Symington at 613-984-2948 ext. 230 or 613-551-8934; or Michael Jones at 613-984-2948 ext. 310 or 613-551-8952.

Forwarded To: All Flood Forecasting and Warning Directory

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Watershed Conditions Statements:

  • Water Safety: High flows, unstable banks, melting ice or other factors that could be dangerous for recreational users such as anglers, canoeists, hikers, children, pets, etc. Flooding is not expected.
  • Flood Outlook: Early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts, calling for heavy rain, snow melt, high winds or other conditions that could lead to high runoff, cause ice jams and/or lakeshore flooding or erosion.
  • Flood Watch: Flooding is possible in specific watercourses or municipalities. Municipalities, emergency services and individuals in flood-prone areas should prepare.
  • Flood Warning: Flooding is imminent or already occurring in specific watercourses or municipalities.