Lake Ontario - St. Lawrence River high water event 2017: unprecedented weather, impacts & challenges

Session: 53. - Great Lakes Water Level Fluctuations and Water Management

Jacob Bruxer, Environment and Climate Change Canada, [email protected]
Keith Koralewski, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, [email protected]
Rob Caldwell, Environment and Climate Change Canada, [email protected]
Arun Heer, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, [email protected]

Abstract

An unusually mild and wet winter, followed by late cold and snow, then unprecedented spring rains and rising lake levels all contributed to an exceptional amount of water entering - and eventually overwhelming - the Lake Ontario - St. Lawrence River system during 2017.  The record-breaking water levels that followed caused severe flooding and coastal damages across the basin in both Canada and the US.  Extraordinary measures were taken in response to this extreme event, yet the wet weather generally continued through the summer and into fall, sustaining high water levels and associated impacts across the basin, and presenting additional challenges to the International Lake Ontario – St. Lawrence River Board responsible for regulating flows and water levels in the system.

1. Keyword
Lake Ontario

2. Keyword
St. Lawrence River

3. Keyword
Water level

4. Additional Keyword
rainfall

5. Additional Keyword
flood

6. Additional Keyword
coastal damage