Lake Ontario levels match record set in 2017

WATERTOWN, N.Y. (WWNY) - It turns out the the International Joint Commission was right when it predicted earlier this week that water levels on Lake Ontario would likely meet or exceed 2017 levels.

The record set in 2017 of 248.95 feet was matched on Wednesday, May 29, IJC records show.

The level was 248.85 feet when the IJC, the group the regulates water levels on the lake and the St. Lawrence River, made its prediction.

The IJC has been increasing outflows at the Moses-Saunders dam in Massena since May 16, but the amount released depends on flooding downriver, especially in Montreal.

The IJC said Monday that "potentially higher levels are possible should wet weather continue."

High water is blamed on uncontrolled and record-high outflows from Lake Erie, as well as above-average rainfall.