FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 26, 2017
QUINTE CONSERVATION ISSUES FLOOD OUTLOOK STATEMENT FOR SHORELINE RESIDENTS ON BAY OF QUINTE AND LAKE ONTARIO
Quinte Conservation has issued a Flood Outlook Statement for residents along the shorelines of the Bay of Quinte and Lake Ontario. Water Resources Manager Christine McClure says, “Lake Ontario is about 30 centimetres higher than normal for this time of year and is approaching 1 in 100 year levels for the lake. We are warning shoreline residents that these high water levels, combined with high winds and waves, may cause damage to their shorelines and shoreline infrastructure.”
McClure adds, “Residents should take care to secure their personal property such as boats and docks or any other loose items along the shoreline. It is likely that these high water levels on Lake Ontario and the Bay of Quinte will continue for the next few weeks.”
The federal government monitors Lake Ontario water levels and predicts that water levels on the lake could rise another 20 centimetres between now and early June. The major natural factors affecting Lake Ontario levels are inflow from Lake Erie, precipitation, evaporation, runoff, and wind effects.
A Flood Outlook Statement gives early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts calling for heavy rain, snow melt, high wind or other conditions that could lead to high runoff, cause ice jams, lakeshore flooding or erosion.
This message will be in effect until (or updated before) Wednesday, May 31, 2017.
Shoreline residents are reminded that any work near the water may require a permit from Quinte Conservation and should call the office or visit the website for more information.