2023-06-15 23:42:25
The abnormally low water level of Lac Saint-Jean at this time of year worries many shoreline residents who fear consequences for the summer season if the water continues to drop.
According to Rio Tinto, the low amount of rain received in May, places the region with the 5th lowest rainfall in the last 30 years. The water level in the lake must have been at 16.5 feet at the beginning of June so near 15 feet in mid-June. Only one foot from the minimum threshold.
“Climate change is not easy for tourism, especially for our marina,” noted the mayor of Saint-Gédéon, Émile Hudon.
Screenshot | VAT News
“Another two, three weeks and we will be at 14 feet. The impact that this will have on our nautical club and for the whole environment is that the river will clog, ”said Réjean Nadeau, commodore for the Belle-Rivière nautical club, in Saint-Gédéon.
“Those who have boats with deep drafts are going to have a hard time getting around. The sector of the islands in Saint-Gédéon where there is a lot of riprap, someone who does not know the lake may have difficulty. People instead of putting themselves in the marinas, they will put themselves more on private docks to have access to the lake. Yes, it is worrying. Last year we were abnormally high, this year we are abnormally low,” added Mr. Hudon.
Further decline expected
According to forecasts by Rio Tinto, which manages the level of Lac Saint-Jean for the production of its hydroelectric dams, the lake might reach 14 or 15 feet by the end of June. A descent deemed unusual for this time of year.
“It’s lake levels that we see more in the fall than in the middle of summer,” said the mayor of Saint-Gédéon. “Summer hasn’t even started yet. We’re gonna have a great beach if its down more. It’s not raining, it’s been several weeks,” apprehended a resident.
Screenshot | VAT News
The region received only 40% of the precipitation expected last week. The reservoirs will have to increase once more before Lake Saint-Jean increases,” said a resident.
“We’re going to wish there was rain, it would take a lot,” said Mr. Hudon. Rio Tinto assured that the level of Lake Saint-Jean is still within normal operating parameters.
The situation is being closely monitored by the multinational. The month of July promises to be dry and Rio Tinto has mentioned that rain will be necessary over the next few weeks to stabilize the level of the lake.
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