Shoreline Conditions Statement – Lake Superior Flood Outlook
Issued June 22, 2020@ 3:30 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 the Lake Superior were drier than average in May and the water level of Lake Superior rose less than it typically does in May. Nonetheless, an exceptional volume of water remains in the system and all of the Great Lakes remain near or above record-high water levels for this time of year.
Currently, the Lake Superior water level is approximately 183.67 m IGLD85. Lake Superior rose 5 cm over the course of the month, while on average the water level rises 10 cm in May. At the beginning of June, Lake Superior was 15 cm below the record-high beginning-of-month level set last year in 2019. The level is currently 26 cm above average (1918-2019). 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) July 15, 2020.
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For further information:
Anjum Amin, P.Eng.
SSMRCA
705-946-8530