Safety Advisory - Boaters Encouraged to Exercise Caution on St. Lawrence River
May 26, 2017
AKWESASNE — The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe’s Emergency Planning Office is notifying boaters and residents along the St. Lawrence River that the water is currently at high flow. The high water level is the result of gates being opened at the Long Sault Dam to help alleviate the record water levels further upstream and in Lake Ontario.
On Wednesday, May 24th; the water being discharged at the Long Sault Dam and Moses-Saunders Dam was increased to 10,200 cubic meters per second or 360,200 cubic feet per second. It is the highest outflow since March 1998. As a result, there are unusually strong currents in association with the high water level.
Boaters should exercise caution due to high cross currents and ensure that Coast Guard approved life jackets are on their vessel. Boaters are also highly encouraged to stay clear of both dams.
Flow measurements will continue to be taken, but it is anticipated the current high flow level of the St. Lawrence River will remain through August.
For further updates, please check the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe’s website, at ww.srmt-nsn.gov, or the Tribe’s Facebook page.
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The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Council is the duly elected and federally recognized government of the Saint Regis Mohawk People.