Lake Ontario Expected to Rise Above 2017 Record Levels

SYRACUSE, N.Y. (AP) — Regulators say Lake Ontario will likely exceed record water levels set two years ago.

The Syracuse Post-Standard reports levels are expected to rise 1 inch (2.54 centimeters) above the record in about one to three weeks, but could go higher if rainfall amounts surpass predictions.

The International Lake Ontario-St. Lawrence River board said in a press release the lake is currently 248.85 feet (75.85 meters) above sea level, 1.2 inches (3.05 centimeters) below the 2017 record, which resulted in shoreline flooding in upstate New York.

The board regulates the levels of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River.

The board cited uncontrolled or record-high inflows from Lake Erie and heavy precipitation as the main drivers for the high water levels.