CORNWALL, Ontario – This statement is an update to South Nation Conservation’s (SNC) Flood Watch: St. Lawrence River issued on May 8, 2017.
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 will remain high over the next few weeks.
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 week while dams 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, Canadian Regulation Representative, International Lake Ontario-St. Lawrence River Board, the Board are hoping to further increase the outflow of the Moses Saunders dam by 200 m3/s this evening.” It is expected this will help lower water levels along the upper St. Lawrence from about Cornwall to Iroquois.
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.
