ST. LAWRENCE RIVER FLOOD WATCH DOWNGRADED
South Nation Conservation’s (SNC) is downgrading the Flood Watch Statement for the St. Lawrence River issued on June 22, 2017 to a Water Safety Statement for the Townships of Augusta and Edwardsburgh/Cardinal.
According to the International Lake Ontario – St. Lawrence River Board, the average level of Lake St. Lawrence between Iroquois and Cornwall was 73.09 m yesterday, which is well below average and the lowest recorded at this time of year since 1998. The low water levels are due to the high outflow from the Moses-Saunders Dam in Cornwall. Therefore, high water levels in South Dundas are no longer a concern.
The St. Lawrence River in the Townships of Augusta and Edwardsburgh Cardinal remains high upstream of the Iroquois Dam, but have been slowly and steadily declining over the past couple of months. The water levels are expected to continue to steadily decline and could possibly remain above average for the remainder of 2017.
SNC continues to caution 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 Michael Jones at 613-984-2948 ext. 310.
This statement is in effect until September 1, 2017.
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.