Low Water Levels in the St. Lawrence: Pleasure Craft Operators and Mariners are Urged to Use Caution

June 03 2010

Mont-Joli, (Québec) – Fisheries and Oceans Canada, through the Canadian Hydrographic Service and the Canadian Coast Guard, confirm that water levels in the St. Lawrence River between Montreal and Sorel are unusually low for this time of year and that these conditions may pose risks to navigation.

According to the available data, water levels will remain relatively stable or could diminish slightly. However, consistent rainfall over the Great Lakes and Ottawa River watersheds could change the forecast and restore the situation to normal.

Low water levels affect both pleasure craft operators and mariners and can pose risks to the safety of individuals. Safe navigation begins with preparation and consultation of the available up-to-date data.

Before you set out, it is recommended that you take the following steps:

1. Obtain information on water levels by dialing the toll-free number 1-877-775-0790 or from the Internet at: www.tides.gc.ca.
2. Keep up-to-date charts onboard the vessel and consult them. For a list of chart dealers, visit: www.charts.gc.ca.
3. Update your charts from the information provided in the notices to shipping and notices to mariners available at: www.marinfo.gc.ca.
4. Check water levels in the area where you are navigating to make daily corrections to the depths indicated on the charts. Negative water levels indicate that the available water column is reduced relative to what is indicated on the chart. For example, if the chart indicates a depth of 5 metres, and a water level of minus 20 centimetres is observed, this means that a depth of 4.80 metres of water is available for navigation.
5. Take into account that low water levels affect the position of buoys. In such conditions, buoys may not be sufficient for accurate identification of a navigation zone or a channel that is safe for certain vessels.
6. Do not venture into unfamiliar areas without obtaining information about obstacles and obstructions.
7. Reduce your vessel’s speed where the current permits.
8. Know the draft of your vessel.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada updates daily the water level information to maintain safe and accessible waterways. www.tides.gc.ca

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