The Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority advises that water levels on Lake Ontario have peaked and will be declining over the next several months. The current water level is 75.34 meters above sea level (masl), which is down 4 cm from the peak of 75.38 masl that last occurred on May 8^th. The Flood Watch which was issued on April 11^th is therefore cancelled to reflect the current conditions.

Lake Erie continues to provide record inflows (via the Niagara River) for this time of year and with all the Great Lakes experiencing high water levels it is expected that Lake Ontario will continue to see above average water levels for the time of year even as they continue to decline.

Dry weather is helping to reduce inflows from the surrounding watersheds, while record high outflows are working to gradually bring down the lake levels. So far, the lake level has declined by 4 cm at Cobourg. Continued slow declines in water levels are expected for the next several weeks to months as high flows are released into the St. Lawrence River. High inflows from Lake Erie will prevent any rapid lowering in Lake Ontario levels.

The International Lake Ontario – St. Lawrence River Board (ILOSLRB) predicts the water level will decline by 1 to 3 cm per week and will fall below 75 masl by September with normal amounts of rainfall.

Conservation Authority staff will continue to monitor Lake Ontario conditions and provide updates as necessary. Should you have any questions or wish to report flooding, please contact the following GRCA staff at 905-885-8173.

Mike Smith                                                                  Cory Harris, P.Eng.
Flood Operations Officer                                           Flood Warning Coordinator

Note: A Flood Watch is issued as notice that flooding is possible in specific watercourses or municipalities. Municipalities, emergency services and individual landowners in flood-prone areas should prepare.