The St. Clair Region Conservation Authority (SCRCA) has issued an indefinite water safety bulletin due to sustained high water levels across the watershed.
“We had a very wet spring which has added to the already record-breaking water levels we’re observing in Lake St. Clair and Lake Huron,” stated Girish Sankar, director of water resources, in a press release.
“We have already issued more bulletins this year than we did in all of 2018.”
The most recent bulletin advises that high water levels in Lake St. Clair have slowed the movement of water out of the Sydenham River system, SCRCA officials say.
As a result, there is an increased flood risk with even moderate precipitation or a change in wind direction.
This is particularly true in Wallaceburg where levels are 20 to 30 cm higher than the average for this time of year.
In addition to the flood risk, communities along Lake Huron, Lake St. Clair and the St. Clair River could experience increased shoreline erosion, SCRCA officials say.
“We are reminding boaters to follow posted boat speeds and no-wake zones while out on the water,” Sankar said.
The Authority also warns of slippery river banks and fast-flowing water.
The Conservation Authority will continue to monitor watershed conditions and will issue advisories to municipalities and the media should flood issues arise.
The St. Clair Region Conservation Authority is located in southwestern Ontario and includes the Sydenham River watershed and smaller watersheds draining directly into southern Lake Huron, the St. Clair River and northeastern Lake St. Clair.
The Conservation Authority implements programs to reduce the risk to life and property from flooding and erosion and promote water and land stewardship, forestry, wildlife habitat creation, conservation education, and outdoor recreation. For more information, visit our website at www.scrca.on.ca.
