Water Levels

Great Lakes Information
Great Lake Water Levels and Hydrologic Information

The Buffalo District continuously performs water level and flow monitoring and surveillance of the Great Lakes for daily operational tasks and to identify the occurrence of critical water level fluctuations.

The data collected through these monitoring efforts is coordinated and disseminated to other governmental agencies, private businesses and organizations, and to the general public. This data also supports the activities of the International St. Lawrence River Board of Control, the International Niagara Board of Control, the International Niagara Committee, and other international groups.

The information links below provide a wide variety of data to keep you informed of conditions within the Great Lakes Basin.

Great Lakes Data:

• Lake Erie and Ontario Forecast - Canadian / United States. Graphs available at these sites provide the most recent six month forecast for Lake Erie and Ontario levels. These forecast are prepared and coordinated by the Detroit District Corps of Engineers and Environment Canada at the beginning of each month and are published in the Monthly Bulletin of Lake Levels for the Great Lakes.
  

• Weekly Lake Erie and Lake Ontario Level and Flow Statements – These statements are also available by calling toll free at 1-800-833-6390. This service is provided in support of the International St. Lawrence River Board of Control by the Buffalo District Corps of Engineers. The statements are updated each week.
  

• Great Lakes Water Level Data – This site is maintained by the NOAA NOS Oceanographic Products and Services Division which is responsible for the collection, analysis and distribution of historical and real-time observations and predictions of water levels, coastal currents and other meteorological and oceanographic data.
  

• Hydrologic Information – NOAA Hydrologic Information Center providing flood information, river/stream flow conditions, drought information, soil moisture conditions, snow conditions, water supply outlooks, and meteorological outlooks.
  

• River Forecasts – National Weather Service Northeast River Forecast Center. River forecasts and guidance approximately 100 forecast locations throughout New England and New York.
  

• Tides, Currents and Water Levels – This site is maintained by the Canadian Hydrographic Service providing data on tides, currents, and water level information throughout the Great Lakes and Hudson Bay. Information provided includes water level advisory announcements, water levels, forecasts, historical data, and other information.
  

• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Buffalo District Navigation Charts

Weather Information:

• NWS Interactive Weather Information Network – Comprehensive weather information site maintained by the U.S. National Weather Service.
  
  
• Climate Prediction Center - NOAA Climate Prediction Center monitors short-term climate fluctuations with the goal to diagnose and predict them.
  
  
• OSU Weather - The Ohio State University WWW weather server providing timely and useful graphical and textural weather data to the general public.
  
  
• UNISYS Weather - A source of graphical weather information. This site is intended for the use by weather professionals but can be accessed by anyone.

Organizations:

• International Joint Commission - This site provides information on the activities of the International Joint Commission its Boards and Committees. Also included are news releases, publication lists, and links to other sites.
  
  
• International Lake Ontario-St. Lawrence River Study – This site provides information regarding a 5-year study commissioned by the International Joint Commission to assess and evaluate the current methodology and criteria used in regulating outflows from Lake Ontario through the St. Lawrence River.
  
  
• International St. Lawrence River Board of Control - Information on Board activities, membership, water levels, outflows, public meetings, special issues, and other matters.
  
  
• International Niagara Board of Control - This site is available through the International Joint Commission and has information on the Board's responsibilities, reports, membership, and other pertinent information.
  
  
• Great Lakes Information Network (GLIN) - Site supported by states, provincial, federal and regional agencies and organizations. Offers a wealth of information and links about the Great Lakes environment and economy, tourism, education and more.
  
  
• United States Army Corps of Engineers Information Network – This home page provides a link to the Districts located within the Great Lakes Basin.