SOUTH DUNDAS, Ontario – South Nation Conservation (SNC) cautions 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 that water levels may increase significantly.
Due to the precipitation and snow melt over the last few weeks, Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River are at historic water levels. It is expected that St. Lawrence River water levels will remain high over the next few weeks while water control structures are being operated. The water levels along the St. Lawrence River will depend on the level of Lake Ontario and the outflow of the Moses-Saunders Dam at Cornwall.
According to Rob Caldwell, Manager, Great Lakes – St. Lawrence Regulation Office, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Ontario Power Generation have begun to increase the outflows of the Moses-Saunders Dam. “This will help lower levels on the River over the next few days, especially as one gets closer to the dam,” says Caldwell. “Levels may be slow to drop initially, and may in fact rise a bit more at first.”
Environment and Climate Change Canada does not forecast significant rain for this week. Caldwell has noted “[Lake Ontario] should peak within centimetres of the current level.”
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.
