THUNDER BAY – The Lakehead Region Conservation Authority has issued a Flood Watch for Lake Superior, within its area of jurisdiction.
The LRCA advises that water levels on Lake Superior continue to set new record highs. Record highs on Lake Superior were previously recorded in 1950, 1952, 1985 and 1986, with all-time lows recorded in 1925, 1926 and 2007.
At the beginning of August, the water level was 2 centimetres higher than the previous beginning of August record set in 1950. The level is currently 35 centimetres above average for August (1918- 2018) and 22 centimetres higher than the level last year. The current water level is approximately 36 centimetres lower than the 100-year flood level for Lake Superior. Assuming average water supply conditions, Lake Superior is expected to continue to rise in August.
The main concern during high lake levels is shoreline erosion and flooding of low-lying shorelines including beaches and wetlands along the shore.
Residents in shoreline and low-lying areas along Lake Superior should anticipate further water level increases into the fall and a prolonged period of above-average levels.
Authority Staff will continue to monitor conditions, and provide updates as necessary as part of its flood forecasting and warning program. Additional information can be found on the LRCA website.
A Flood Watch is issued when there is potential for flooding. This Flood Watch will be in effect until terminated.
