Current Watershed Conditions

Time: 10:00 a.m.

 

The Sault Ste. Marie Region Conservation Authority would like to extend a warning to residents and visitors to use extreme caution when close to rivers, creeks and channels. Potential increases in water levels and flows can be especially dangerous and stream banks can be slippery. Please keep children and pets away from fast flowing rivers and streams.

 

  

Date: November 17, 2020

Time: 10:00 a.m.

This statement is in effect until (or updated before) December 15, 2020.

 

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.

 

Lake Superior levels are still well above average and the risk of high-water impacts remains. Last month, Lake Superior declined 7 cm when on average it declines 3 cm in October. Water levels of Lake Superior are expected to continue their seasonal declines in November. However, there will continue to be an increased risk of shoreline erosion, lakeshore flooding and coastal damages over the next several weeks and potentially through the winter.

 

Currently, the Lake Superior water level is approximately 183.78 m IGLD85. The level is currently 23 cm above average (1918 - 2019). At the beginning of November, the lake level was 13 cm below its level at the same time in 2019. For additional reference, the SSMRCA shoreline flooding hazard level used for planning and development review is 184.2 m.

 

The SSMRCA advises all shoreline property owners to prepare for potentially severe coastal impacts such as significant erosion, lakeshore flooding, coastal damages, beach submersion, crawl space and septic system inundation especially during periods of strong winds and high waves.

 

The SSMRCA staff will continue to monitor Lake Superior wind conditions and lake levels closely.