Great Lakes water levels are showing greater variability

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers says Lake Ontario has seen both near-record high and unusually low water levels in recent years, and officials are using gauges, satellites and models to monitor conditions and evaluate a range of future scenarios.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers officials report that water levels on Lake Ontario and across the Great Lakes are becoming more variable. In recent years the lake has experienced both near-record high levels and unusually low periods. The Corps and binational partners are using gauges, satellites and modeling tools to monitor conditions and explore how precipitation, temperature and runoff may affect future levels. Key points: - The USACE notes larger swings between high and low water periods on Lake Ontario in recent decades. - Monitoring relies on a network of water-level gauges, satellite and weather observations, and models such as the Great Lakes Regulation and Routing Model (GLRRM). - Officials say the St. Lawrence River channel limits how quickly Lake Ontario outflows can be increased, and coordination under Plan 2014 and binational modeling supports long-term planning. Summary: Changing water levels can affect coastal ecosystems, shoreline stability, infrastructure and navigation. Officials report that scenario-based modeling and continued monitoring inform resilience and planning efforts across the binational lake system. Undetermined at this time.