Shoreline Conditions Statement – Lake Superior Flood Outlook
Issued May 15, 2020@ 6:00 pm
The Sault Ste. Marie Region Conservation Authority (SSMRCA) is advising that Lake Superior water levels remain well above normal. There are observations, reports, and expectations of shoreline erosion or flooding currently.
Conditions across Lake Superior were generally drier this past month and the water level rose less than it typically does in April. Nonetheless, an exceptional volume of water remains in the system and all the Great Lakes remain near or above record-high water levels for this time of year.
Currently, Lake Superior water level is approximately 183.62 m IGLD85. Lake Superior rose 2 cm over the course of the month, while on average the water level rises 7 cm in April. For the beginning of May, Lake Superior is 12 cm below the record-high beginning-of-month level set in 1986. The level is currently 31 cm above average (1918-2019) and 7 cm below the level recorded at this time last year. For additional reference, the SSMRCA shoreline flooding hazard level used for planning and development review is 184.2 m.
SSMRCA advises all shoreline property owners to prepare for potentially severe coastal impacts such as significant erosion, lakeshore flooding and coastal damages, especially during periods of strong winds and high waves.
SSMRCA staff continue to monitor Lake Superior wind conditions and lake levels closely.
This statement is in effect until (or updated before) June 15, 2020.
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