Quebec Drought Sparks Urgent Race to Remove Boats from St. Lawrence River
Boat owners in Beauharnois, located on Montreal’s South Shore, are urged to act quickly to remove their vessels from the St. Lawrence River before winter sets in. Failure to do so may result in boats being stranded in mud.
Quebec Drought Drives Urgent Action
As of this past Friday morning, the St. Lawrence River’s water level has risen by approximately two to three inches. This increase equates to the volume of an Olympic-sized swimming pool being released every two seconds. The rise in water levels is a response to urgent drought conditions affecting the river.
Temporary Closure for Smaller Boats
The local nautical center implemented a temporary closure for smaller boats from 8 AM to 3 PM. This measure allows larger vessels to be safely removed from the river before conditions worsen.
Actions Taken by Authorities
The International Joint Commission made the decision to open the Moses-Saunders dam gates in Cornwall, Ontario. This action aims to manage the drought impacting the St. Lawrence River, especially near Lake Saint-Louis. The gates will remain open until Saturday at 7:01 PM, a step not taken since 2012.
Key Facts and Statistics
| Event | Date/Time | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Boat removal deadline | Saturday, 3 PM | Smaller boats restricted from the nautical center from 8 AM to 3 PM. |
| Current River Level Rise | As of Friday | 2-3 inches increase; equates to an Olympic pool every 2 seconds. |
| Dewatering action | Open until Saturday, 7:01 PM | Moses-Saunders dam gates opened, last action taken in 2012. |
This coordination aims to alleviate the challenging drought conditions and help boat owners manage their vessels securely. Boat owners must remain vigilant as the situation evolves on the St. Lawrence River.
