Characterizing the Impacts of the 2017 High Water Event on Lake Ontario

Session: 51. - Coastal Resilience

Scott Steinschneider, Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, [email protected]
Mary Austerman, NY Sea Grant, [email protected]
Richard Stedman, Cornell University/Dept. of Natural Resources, [email protected]

Abstract

In the spring and summer of 2017, communities along the Lake Ontario shoreline suffered from the worst flood event on record. In late May, daily water levels on the lake peaked at 75.88 m, the highest in the 100-year record. The flooding along Lake Ontario continued throughout much of the summer as lake levels crested and slowly declined, with inundation and erosion significantly impacting shoreline homes and businesses. In this work, we present results from an online survey distributed to Lake Ontario shoreline residents to quantify the unique flood impacts of the 2017 extended high water event, with a particular focus on characterizing the degree and spatial distribution of inundation and erosion; the duration and drivers of inundation; the associated damages to different property features, with an emphasis on shoreline protection; and the degree of disruption to business and other activities and services. We also use these data and classification and regression trees to model the degree of inundation and erosion based on unique property characteristics, an effort that can support flood impact assessments across the shoreline and help communities be more resilience to future extended high water events. 

1. Keyword
risks

2. Keyword
Lake Ontario

3. Keyword
hydrologic cycle

4. Additional Keyword
flooding