As spring rain and snowmelt continue to raise water levels across the Great Lakes region, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers says it is prepared to support communities along Lake Ontario facing potential flooding concerns.
Officials with the Corps’ Buffalo District said local municipalities, county emergency responders, and state agencies remain the first line of defense during high-water events, while the federal agency serves in a supporting role by providing engineering expertise, flood-fighting supplies, and technical assistance when requested.
Under federal emergency response authorities, assistance from the Corps of Engineers can be activated through formal requests from a governor or Tribal leader during imminent flooding threats.
The Buffalo District’s emergency management team said it is currently monitoring spring 2026 water levels on Lake Ontario and remains in communication with state emergency management officials regarding available resources. Those resources include stockpiles of sandbags in New York and Ohio, mapping support for potential water rise scenarios, and technical guidance on flood barrier construction.
“We want to make it as straightforward as possible for local, county, Tribal and state leaders to understand and request support from the Corps of Engineers,” said Phil Stitzinger. “Our team stands ready to assist and to protect communities.”
Officials said water levels on Lake Ontario are largely influenced by natural conditions, including rainfall, snowmelt, evaporation, and water flowing from Lake Erie into the Lake Ontario-St. Lawrence River basin.
The Corps’ water management team monitors precipitation and lake levels throughout the region daily while helping implement international water regulation plans.
“While we are seeing significant water entering the basin from snowmelt and rain, our team is analyzing data daily,” said Armaghan Abed-Elmdoust. “Our role is to accurately implement the international plan of regulation, taking into account a wide variety of data on flows and levels.”
Part of that process includes coordinating water outflows through the Moses-Saunders Dam on the St. Lawrence River. The Corps works closely with the International Lake Ontario-St. Lawrence River Board under the international regulation framework known as Plan 2014.
Officials said the Corps also coordinates with shipping and hydropower interests to balance water levels and minimize flooding impacts throughout the region.
“Protecting our shoreline communities is a team effort, and we’re always ready to answer the call of our local, state and international partners,” said Robert Burnham.
Residents are encouraged to stay alert and follow guidance from local emergency officials as spring conditions continue to evolve.
Additional water level forecasts and data are available through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers water data page and the International Lake Ontario-St. Lawrence River Board.
