Top

Flood Watch for Lake Ontario and Rice Lake Shorelines

The Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority advises that Lake Ontario is rising at a rate of 2 to 3 cm per day and its current level is 75.38 m above sea level, which is 40 cm above normal. Rising water levels are expected to continue for at least the next week until downstream water levels subside at Montreal and flows from Lake Ontario can be increased again. The peak water level during the 2017 flood event was 75.88 masl as measured at Cobourg. 

Rice Lake has been rising at a similar rate and will continue rising over the next few days as runoff from rainfall and snowmelt make their way downstream via the Trent River. Forecasted rainfall of 20 to 30 mm today will cause high water levels to persist longer on Lake Ontario and Rice Lake.

High East winds today will cause waves up to 2.0m on Lake Ontario. Minor and nuisance flooding can be expected along both shorelines in normally flood prone areas. Shortened beaches as well as shoreline erosion can be expected especially during high winds. 

This message applies to the lake shorelines only. The forecasted rainfall will cause an increase in local stream levels and flows, however no flooding is anticipated. 

This Flood Watch for the shorelines of Lake Ontario and Rice Lake within the Ganaraska region will be in effect through Monday, May 8th, 2019. Conservation Authority staff will continue to monitor 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.

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.