News Release
For immediate release
This notice is intended to update the public and local municipalities on the high water levels in Lake Erie and the effects on the Kettle Creek Conservation Authority (KCCA) watershed.
Lake Erie water levels are continuing their seasonal decline and as of October 28 are 3cm lower than last year’s weekly mean. Data collected in Port Stanley indicate that the average water level, has dropped to 174.68m which is 24cm lower than the record high. This water level does not account for any increase in water level due to storm surge or wind driven waves.
Residents along the Lake Erie Shoreline and in particular the Village of Port Stanley are reminded to remain extra observant of sustained and gusty southwesterly winds at or above 50 km/hr. There continues to be a heightened risk for storm surge, which can cause shoreline erosion, and damage to shoreline structures due to damaging waves and localized flooding. Under the right conditions, storm surge can occur quickly with little warning. Recent storm surge events over the past week are good examples of how strong southwesterly winds can affect water levels along the shoreline in Port Stanley and in the harbour.
In addition, the sustained high water levels continue to present flood risks to shoreline structures and infrastructure and may be subject to ice damage if the high water persists through to freeze-up.
“The risk of storm surge impacts are expected to continue into the fall, even as lake levels continue a seasonal decline,” says Jennifer Dow, water conservation supervisor at Kettle Creek Conservation Authority. “Take advantage of the remaining fall days and get items out of the flood plain before it’s too late. Docks, boats, canoes, sheds, picnic tables and outdoor furniture that weathered the storms and high water levels in their current storage locations, may not stay secure this fall or next spring,” says Dow.
Residents are reminded to continue to be aware of their local conditions and take appropriate action should conditions change.
More information
More information on the flood warning system is available on KCCA’s web site www.kettlecreekconservation.on.ca
Follow KCCA flood messages on Twitter and Facebook @KettleCreekCA
Contact Jennifer Dow, KCCA Water Conservation Supervisor at 519-631-1270 ext. 228
KCCA staff will continue to monitor Lake Erie conditions and provide updates as warranted. This Lake Erie shoreline Watershed Conditions Statement—Flood Outlook will remain in effect until November 30, 2019 at which time conditions will be reevaluated.
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Marianne Levogiannis
Public Relations Supervisor
519-631-1270 x224
The Kettle Creek Conservation Authority issues three levels of messages:
- Watershed Conditions Statement (Previously High Water Safety Bulletin): a general notice of weather conditions that could pose a risk to personal safety or which have the potential to lead to flooding. There are two variations of these:
- Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety: High flows, unsafe banks, melting ice or other factors could be dangerous for recreational users such as anglers, canoeists, hikers, children, pets, etc. Flooding is not expected
- Watershed Conditions Statement – Flood Outlook: Early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts calling for heavy rain, snow melt, high wind or other conditions that could lead to high runoff, cause ice jams, lakeshore flooding or erosion.
- Flood Watch (Previously Flood Advisory): Flooding is possible in specific watercourses or municipalities. Municipalities, emergency services and individual landowners in flood-prone areas should prepare.
- Flood Warning (No change): Flooding is imminent or already occurring in specific watercourses or municipalities. Municipalities and individuals should take action to deal with flood conditions. This may include road closures and evacuations.
