THUNDER BAY – ENVIRONMENT – The Lakehead Region Conservation Authority is updating the Shoreline Condition Statement for the Lake Superior shoreline, within its area of jurisdiction, due to continued high water levels that remain well above average.
The National Hydrological Services Great Lakes Water Levels Information Memorandum dated September 3, 2020 reports that the beginning of September water level was 26 centimetres above average (1918-2019), the 9th highest beginning of September level on record, 4 centimetres lower than last year, and 6 centimetres lower than the record-high level of 1950.
The current water level is approximately 41 centimetres lower than the 100-year flood level for Lake Superior. Water levels on Lake Superior are expected to remain above average for a prolonged period of time. Assuming average water supply conditions, it is expected that Lake Superior’s water level will begin its seasonal decline into the fall and winter.
Due to the high level of Lake Superior, there continues to be a heightened risk of shoreline flooding, beach submersion, and wave-driven erosion along some reaches of the shoreline.
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 www.lakeheadca.com/great-lakes/lake-superior-water-levels.
A Shoreline Condition Statement is issued to provide early notice of the potential for flooding based on lake levels, weather forecasts, or other conditions that could cause a rise in Lake Superior, lakeshore flooding, or erosion. This Shoreline Condition Statement will be in effect until (or updated before) October 16, 2020.
